F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Mighty Ninety recently opened its doors to welcome visitors from a Veterans Service Organization, providing a mission immersion to veterans from several different branches of service.
American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, July 20, 2022, along with several members of Wyoming’s American Legion District.
The visit gave 90th Missile Wing personnel the opportunity to put the mission and history of the base on display.
"As a past commander of American Legion Post 6 here in Cheyenne and a member of the 90th Missile Wing, this was a great opportunity to show off the responsibility carried out on F.E. Warren to the national commander of the American Legion," said Darrel Johnson. "Commander Dillard got a small taste of what our missileers and other members of the Mighty Ninety do to ensure nuclear deterrence every day, while also experiencing firsthand the positive relationship between the local American Legion Post and the active duty community.”
While on base, the American Legion group had the opportunity to see aspects of the modern mission with a tour of the Missile Procedures Trainer and a mission brief, then learn about the significant history of the base with a tour of the museum and the historical buildings.
“F.E. Warren is really interesting,” said Dillard. “It’s amazing to see all of these turn-of-the-last-century buildings still in service for a modern purpose.”
A characteristic of service that often carries on from military service to VSOs is the sense of camaraderie that the organizations provide.
“Veterans might kid each other, but it’s all in good fun,” Dillard said he said. “It’s all about the camaraderie.”
It’s camaraderie that underlines Dillard’s “No Veteran Left Behind” initiative, the focus of his year in office and an effort to reduce the high suicide rates among veterans.
Though it can be difficult to track the number of veteran suicides, VA studies show that veterans take their own lives at a much higher percentage than the general public. Their struggles, combined with the isolation of the last two years, has increased the need for active prevention programs. It’s a reality that has driven Dillard’s program and its related “Buddy Check” project.
The high number of veteran suicides can be reduced by regular buddy checks – just calling other veterans and checking in, said Dillard.
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, or if you notice changes in loved ones, friends or coworkers that give you cause to worry about their safety, call a helping agency. Call the Suicide Hotline, call the Violence Prevention Integrator or Suicide Prevention staffer, call a chaplain, base law enforcement or even emergency services. Don’t suffer in silence and don’t suffer alone. *
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Veterans Crisis Press 1
Text: WYO to 741 741
90 MW Chaplain: 773-3434
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
Mental Health: 773-2998