By Wyoming PBS

THAYNE—Wyoming PBS invites the public to a free community screening of its new documentary, “Home from the Vietnam War,” on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Thayne Community Center, 250 Van Noy Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m. The program begins with the National Anthem at 4:55 p.m., followed by the film at 5 p.m. Lt. Lee Alley, whose story is featured in the documentary, will attend.

“‘Home from the Vietnam War’ tells a deeply personal story about service and the lasting impact of war,” says Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. “We’re honored to share the film with our treasured veterans and community members of Star Valley.”

After nearly six decades, Alley returned to Vietnam with a perspective shaped by reflection, reconciliation, and the passage of time. He made the journey last year during filming for the Wyoming PBS documentary, which follows him as he revisits the country where he fought and reflects on combat, coming home, and the possibility of reconciliation. The film also features Vietnamese refugee John Nguyen.

“It’s hard to imagine the courage it took to go back and relive that battle,” says Dennis Christianson, Commander of American Legion Post 46 in Alpine.

Alley was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart for his leadership during the 1967 Battle of Firebase Cudgel.

Bobby Dickerson says “Home from the Vietnam War” is a remarkable film telling of one-man’s journey going back into the past and meeting with his adversaries, not knowing what the outcome of his journey would be.

“That took tremendous courage and my hat goes off to Lt. Alley,” Dickerson says. “I want to thank Wyoming PBS for sharing this with our Star Valley community and the surrounding area.”

Directed by Mat Hames, “Home from the Vietnam War” has been selected for several film festivals, including the GI Film Festival San Diego, Heartland Film Festival, and St. Louis International Film Festival.

The community screening is courtesy of the Thayne Community Center, Alpine American Legion/Auxiliary Post 46, Afton American Legion Post 49, and Afton VFW.

“Home from the Vietnam War” is funded in part by the National Museum of Military Vehicles, Wyoming Public Television Production Endowment, Rita Meyer, Wyoming Veterans Commission, and The Marna M. Kuehne Foundation.

The documentary will premiere on Wyoming PBS and the station’s YouTube channel at 7 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

For more information, visit wyomingpbs.org/vietnam/.

Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, Wyoming PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.