Jay Conley & Brett Storey both stepped into the SVI Radio studio on Monday, June 16 to provide an update on the Wall That Heals, coming to Afton on July 9-12. Conley and Storey covered the motorcade that will escort the wall through Star Valley on July 7, setup at Star Valley Middle School on July 8 and more details regarding tours and visitors.

(0:00) Talking more about the wall that heals, (0:03) which is coming up now in just a matter of weeks (0:05) to Afton in the Star Valley, Lincoln County, (0:07) Western Wyoming, and whole region. (0:10) Expecting people from all over (0:12) to come see the wall that heals. (0:14) In studio today is Jay Conley and Brett Story, (0:17) both here to talk more about it.

(0:18) They’re on the committee (0:19) that’s putting this whole thing together. (0:22) Good morning, gentlemen, Jay and Brett. (0:24) How are you guys doing today? (0:26) Great, doing great.

(0:26) Good morning, dude. (0:27) Well, appreciate your time as always. (0:29) Jay, let’s start with you.

(0:30) You’re also commander of the Star Valley VFW Post 4797. (0:33) So this is, as we’ve talked in the past, (0:36) something very near and dear to you and important to you. (0:39) Let’s start off with a few things happening (0:41) kind of leading up to the wall, (0:42) including a golf tournament on the 8th of July.

(0:46) Tell us about this. (0:47) Yes, sir. (0:47) So we have a new golf pro out at the golf course there, (0:50) Dusty, he’s been fantastic in putting this together.

(0:53) So that’s gonna happen on July 8th. (0:55) It’s gonna be a registration at eight, (0:57) shotgun start at nine. (0:59) We’re looking for a long drive contest, (1:02) closest to pin, long putt, (1:04) and we’re also gonna do a best dress.

(1:06) So we’re hoping for a very patriotic dress out there (1:09) and we will give an award for the best dress. (1:11) I love it. (1:12) That’s fantastic.

(1:14) So again, that’s just a show up and play that morning, (1:17) right, no pre-registration or anything? (1:18) You can actually pre-register (1:20) and we would encourage you to go see Lisa Grimsley, (1:22) the tourism director at the town of Afton (1:24) to bring your registration fees for that golf tournament. (1:27) Perfect, and the whole thing benefits the wall, correct? (1:30) It all goes towards the expenses. (1:32) All net proceeds go to the wall, yes.

(1:34) Perfect, so that’s July 8th (1:35) happening at Valley View Golf Course in Afton. (1:38) Now, as far as the wall itself, (1:41) this motorcade escort that’s going to escort the wall (1:44) into the Star Valley area (1:45) and to Star Valley Middle School, (1:47) where we set up something we haven’t talked much about, (1:49) but this is going to be almost as impressive (1:52) as the wall itself. (1:53) Tell us what’s happening with the escort.

(1:54) Yeah, I think we’re really looking for a good turnout here. (1:57) We already have law enforcement involved. (1:59) All the roads are taken care of.

(2:01) We’re going to start in Alpine at 2.30 that day, (2:05) kickstands up, and we’re going to slow roll (2:06) through the valley parade style. (2:08) We’re even going to pick up, (2:10) going up to Star Valley Ranch and back into Thane. (2:13) So every community will have that opportunity (2:15) to be out on the street, (2:16) waving flags for that motorcade.

(2:18) We do need more signups. (2:21) I think that if we get more people to sign up, (2:24) we have better reportables to give to our VVMF agency, (2:27) and that gives us better opportunities to plan. (2:30) Okay, so the wall will be set up starting on July 9th.

(2:33) So what day will the motorcade take place? (2:35) So that’ll be July 7th. (2:37) That’s the Tuesday. (2:38) So we’ll start registration at the Brolems Alpine (2:42) at 10 o’clock in the morning.

(2:44) And we expect the trailer to be there approximately noon. (2:48) And then we’ll have a safety briefing around 2.15, (2:51) kickstands up at 2.30, and here we come through the valley. (2:54) Yeah, so you’re looking specifically for bikers, right? (2:56) I mean, that’s what you want here.

(2:58) We are looking for bikers, but it is a motorcade escort. (3:00) We will have some military vehicles and law enforcement (3:03) in the front and the back as well. (3:04) When we come through AFT, and what’s really interesting, (3:07) we found out here in the last couple of weeks (3:09) and have it approved, (3:10) we’re going to do a missing man formation flyover (3:13) over the Elk Antler Arch with T6 Texans, (3:17) provided by local pilots and a few pilots (3:19) that are going to fly in to do that.

(3:21) So it’s a pretty big deal. (3:22) Wow, that is fantastic. (3:23) I’d say that’s really, really cool.

(3:26) And so can people hop in on the motorcade (3:28) as it goes through the valley, (3:29) or would you rather everybody join in an Alpine? (3:31) Everybody needs to join in an Alpine for safety reasons. (3:34) I mean, we would love to pick people up across the way, (3:36) but if we start with what we start with, (3:39) law enforcement’s going to close it in (3:40) from the beginning to the end. (3:41) So we’ll need that registration (3:43) or have you at Alpine that Tuesday afternoon.

(3:46) And so hop in 10 o’clock on the 7th, July 7th, (3:49) and then the motorcade will go through Alpine (3:51) up to Starbody Ranch, Thane, and Afton. (3:55) And how many people are you anticipating? (3:57) I mean, we’re not talking 20 or 30. (3:59) We’re into the hundreds on this, right? (4:01) Yes, we anticipated in the beginning five to 700, (4:05) and we’re hoping to still obtain that number.

(4:07) We have some slow signups, (4:09) but I anticipate the day of the event, (4:12) we’re going to have a lot of motorcycle escorts (4:14) show up for that day. (4:15) So it’s going to be a long process that day of the 7th. (4:17) Yeah, that’s really cool.

(4:18) So just be aware of that, I guess, (4:21) for those not in the motorcade, (4:23) that’s going to be coming through (4:24) the entire Starbody area on that day. (4:27) And so just be aware of that if you’re traveling (4:30) on 89 and up around the Starbody Ranch. (4:32) It’s all part of the weekday wake up this morning, (4:35) speaking today with Jay Conley.

(4:37) Jay, some of the other things happening (4:38) with the wall up and coming and on the way, (4:40) Friday Night Lights, you’ve been involved with that (4:42) to help raise some funds. (4:43) Yes, Krista has been wonderful in putting that together (4:47) and donating the booths for us, (4:48) for us to be able to raise those funds. (4:51) Friday Night will be our last Friday Night Lights (4:54) that we attend as the Wall of Heels.

(4:56) After that, we’ll be doing fundraising opportunities (4:58) through the rest of the week. (4:59) However, the week of the event, (5:03) we will have a Friday Night Lights event, (5:06) and it’s called Hometown Heroes Week. (5:08) And it’ll be in the East Alley from 11 to eight every day (5:13) with different vendors that are going to be there, (5:16) live music, there’s going to be VA representatives, (5:20) some mental health possibilities (5:23) for anybody that may need that, (5:25) and just a lot of food vendors.

(5:27) And so there’s going to be an offsite event (5:29) that’s going to be a wonderful thing to do (5:31) after you visit the wall or before to pick up lunch, (5:34) pick up some other novelties, if you will. (5:37) Now, this has taken a whole community effort. (5:39) There’s been a great committee, such as you two, (5:42) that have worked on this, (5:43) but you’ve really seen grants from all the local towns (5:46) and even some from outside the local community (5:49) come together on this.

(5:50) We have, actually, and we are so grateful. (5:53) I don’t know if this has ever really happened in the Valley, (5:56) that all the communities have come together (5:57) to put together something like this. (5:59) And so we’re just extremely grateful (6:02) for the community that we have today.

(6:04) We’re extremely grateful for the togetherness (6:06) of all the municipalities in the Valley to come together. (6:10) And I think I just wanted to touch on one thing (6:13) before I get off of this topic here. (6:15) I think that there may be some rumors out there (6:19) that whatever’s happening with the money.

(6:22) What we want to do with the money, (6:23) we’re raising a lot of money, (6:24) and any money that is left over from this event, (6:28) we will pass through to all of the monuments in the Valley. (6:31) So all of the towns in the Valley will get an equal share (6:35) of whatever money is left over from all the donations. (6:37) Yeah, okay, that’s fantastic.

(6:39) So again, that’s Jay Conley this morning, (6:41) chairperson for Wyoming Welcomes the Wall That Heals. (6:44) It’s going to be at Star Valley Middle School (6:45) July 9th through the 12th. (6:48) More details can also be found (6:49) at thewallthatheals, Afton WI 2026.

(6:53) That’s the URL, thewallthatheals, Afton WI 2026. (6:57) Also joining me in studio this morning is Brett Story. (7:00) Brett, also on the committee (7:01) that’s helping bring this whole thing together.

(7:03) Brett, let’s talk some things (7:05) that you’ve been working on with this, (7:07) including some of the things (7:09) that are going to be happening at the wall itself, (7:11) such as tours and everything like that. (7:12) This is going to be a 24-hour experience, right? (7:15) It’s going to be open all day long. (7:17) It is, and we’re still looking for people (7:19) for those overnight hours.

(7:20) But yeah, it’ll be available. (7:22) We have, you can schedule a tour, (7:24) you can go at your own pace. (7:25) And the reason it’s open 24 hours, by the way, (7:28) is simply because a lot of folks (7:30) that this is truly meaningful to, personal experience, (7:34) tend to come at night, middle of the night.

(7:36) They want to be alone, they want to be alone (7:38) with their old buddies on the wall. (7:41) And so it’s part of the honor we hold (7:44) as being making this available for anybody, (7:47) any time of day, any time of night. (7:49) Absolutely, so for those that maybe volunteer (7:51) for those overnight shifts, (7:52) there might be some pretty special moments (7:54) that you might notice.

There could be, (7:55) and you know, if you want to get rid (7:58) of your 18 to 20-year-old overnight, (7:59) it’s a great place for them to pick up community service (8:02) and learn about life. (8:04) They’re going to be awake anyway. (8:06) Exactly, exactly.

(8:07) That’s actually a good thought, Brad. (8:10) The Mobile Education Center, tell us more about this. (8:13) We’ve talked about it in the past, (8:14) but remind our listeners what this is.

(8:15) Yeah, this is going to be great. (8:17) This is everything you ever wanted to know (8:20) or didn’t want to know about Vietnam, (8:23) about the wall, about life as it was back then. (8:27) Many of your listeners, of course, weren’t born back then.

(8:30) I, myself, was a young man, (8:32) and that’s why this is so personally involved (8:34) with my family. (8:36) But it’s going to have all sorts of memorabilia, (8:39) all sorts of education. (8:41) Like I said, anything you want to know about Vietnam, (8:45) you should be able to pick up something at this wall.

(8:48) And there’s going to be people who understand (8:50) and are knowledgeable, (8:52) and they’re going to train some of the volunteers. (8:53) So if you want to volunteer for that, (8:55) you can be part of that special moment as well. (8:57) Perfect, and so plenty of places to volunteer (8:59) at the Education Center and at the wall itself.

(9:02) Tell us about maybe some of the logistics of the day, (9:05) what people should expect when they get there (9:07) and how all that works. (9:08) Yeah, absolutely. (9:10) You know, we have a great opening ceremony, (9:12) which I think we’ll touch on later.

(9:14) There’ll be regular parking. (9:15) There’ll also be disabled parking. (9:17) We’ll have police, fire, ambulance there.

(9:20) There’ll be restrooms there. (9:22) We have a volunteer tent for your check-in, (9:24) but we also have a safety tent, (9:26) which will have water. (9:28) It’ll have escorts.

(9:29) We’ll have wheelchairs. (9:32) Basically, anything you might need to have this experience (9:36) we’ll have made available, (9:38) staffed by volunteers, ready to help. (9:41) Fantastic.

(9:41) So Brett, we just learned about the escort (9:44) bringing this in on July 7th. (9:45) The wall itself will be put together and built on the 8th. (9:50) Tell us how that will work.

(9:51) Yeah, that’s actually going to be very special. (9:54) And in fact, I want to put some thanks out. (9:56) We’re getting the Star Valley football team (9:58) to help us with that, (9:59) and some other folks still need volunteers for that.

(10:02) But what we’ll be doing is each, (10:05) the wall is built by a number of panels. (10:08) And those panels, of course, have everyone’s name on it. (10:12) And if you have someone that’s special to you (10:15) from your family that’s on the wall, (10:17) you can actually sign up and you can help escort it.

(10:20) And we won’t make you carry the wall, (10:22) but we’ll have you escort with the two folks (10:25) that are carrying that piece of wall. (10:26) So it can be a very meaningful moment (10:28) to families or if it was your best friend back then (10:33) and you want to be a part of that, (10:35) you can sign up for that. (10:36) Myself, I was an eight-year-old brother of a victim.

(10:41) My brother was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. (10:43) And so this whole thing is very special to me. (10:46) And I think my brother is flying out (10:49) to also help me escort it.

(10:51) At least that’s the plan. (10:53) Yeah, what a cool touch. (10:54) Another just really unique touch.

(10:56) And if someone maybe has a family member (10:58) they’d like to do that for or with, (10:59) how do they reach out to you? (11:01) Well, they can reach out to myself, to Jay, (11:04) to Lisa Grimsley at the city, or put an email in. (11:09) Someone will make sure. (11:11) And all we’ll need is the person’s name (11:15) that’s on the wall officially the name.

(11:18) And that way we can find the panel (11:19) and we can hook you up and make sure. (11:22) It’ll start in the morning sometime. (11:23) We don’t exactly know which panel’s gonna go when.

(11:27) It’ll, but we’ll be able to do that for you. (11:29) Sure. (11:30) Brett, a couple of various ceremonies will take place.

(11:33) Opening, closing, also light the night ceremony. (11:36) Tell us about these. (11:36) Yeah, I’m really excited.

(11:39) In addition to the ceremony with the flyover coming in, (11:42) the next morning we’re going to have a flyover (11:46) of a former Air Force pilot in Vietnam. (11:51) He’s actually got his old airplane (11:53) and he’s gonna do a flyover (11:55) and we’re gonna have a little unique storytelling (11:57) of his adventures to honor all those men and women (12:01) who were in Vietnam. (12:02) And then we’ll have a short speech by one of our folks (12:08) and then the governor, Mark Gordon, (12:10) is gonna speak on the importance of this event (12:12) and events like it and veterans.

(12:15) And then after that, we will have tours starting around 11, (12:20) I think it is. (12:21) So that’s gonna be just a great day. (12:23) It’s gonna be both wonderful and sad, (12:26) remembering all this.

(12:28) And then, and yes, we have the light the night ceremony, (12:32) which will be on, Jay, when is that? (12:35) That is July 10th. (12:36) July 10th, right. (12:37) And that’s at night.

(12:38) It’s a little after 9 p.m. (12:39) And that’s really about post-traumatic stress for anyone, (12:46) but really for veterans. (12:47) So that’ll be the theme of it (12:49) and it’s to bring attention to it. (12:52) And it’s, as Jay had said, (12:54) there’ll be people to help anybody (12:56) that has those kinds of things.

(12:57) So that’s a unique ceremony. (12:59) And then a closing ceremony, of course, (13:01) will be Sunday at 2 p.m. (13:04) And that will be a short ceremony, poignant, (13:07) and again, to honor it all. (13:08) And then we’re gonna pack it up (13:10) and it’s gonna be set off to another wonderful, (13:13) small town in America.

(13:14) I think Iowa? (13:15) Manning, Iowa. (13:16) Manning, Iowa is where it’s going next. (13:17) Perfect.

(13:18) Again, find all the details (13:19) at thewallthathealsaftonwy2026.com, (13:24) thewallthathealsaftonwy2026.com, (13:25) July 9th through the 12th, (13:27) the Escort on the 7th, (13:29) Setup on the 8th. (13:30) Jay and Brett, thank you both for your time. (13:32) Anything we missed that you’d like to touch on today? (13:35) I would just like to say thank you to the community (13:38) for the outpouring of support (13:39) in financial donations, in volunteer donations, (13:43) in motorcycle escort, (13:45) in all of the committee members (13:47) that have been a part of this.

(13:48) And I would like to especially thank Star Valley, SVI. (13:53) I would like to thank you, Duke, Dan, and Dahl (13:56) for every bit of support (13:58) that you guys have given us last week. (14:01) Newspaper was tremendous.

(14:03) And so I’ve honored all three of you men today (14:06) with the honor coin that we have, (14:08) the Wall That Heals coin, (14:09) and thank you for your support. (14:10) Yeah, we really, really appreciate the coin. (14:13) Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to play (14:15) a tiny, tiny little role in this whole thing.

(14:16) So again, in studio this morning (14:19) is Jay Conley and Brett Story. (14:20) Wyoming Welcomes the Wall, (14:21) July 9th through the 12th. (14:22) Visit TheWallThatHealsAftonWY2026.com. (14:26) Weekday Wake Up, SVI Radio.