Ron Anderson, chair of the Memory Committee for The Wall That Heals, joined the Weekday Wake-up to help promote the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica that will come to Afton, July 9–12.

Anderson explained that while the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists names permanently etched into stone, the Memory Committee is focused on a complementary effort: identifying Vietnam veterans connected to the region whose names can be included in the event’s local educational display.

“The Memory Committee is identifying Vietnam soldiers who returned from the war and have since passed away,” Anderson said during the interview. He described the effort as a database process, collecting information and submitting applications so that qualifying individuals can be featured as part of the educational wall when the replica arrives in the Star Valley area.

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Anderson said the committee has already identified more than 30 individuals who appear to qualify. However, he emphasized that to be included, the committee must verify military service details, particularly by obtaining a DD-214, the military separation record that documents service during the Vietnam conflict.

“We’ve identified them, but we need help from their families and the community,” he said, adding that the committee has already received support from local volunteers and groups, including members connected with the Star Valley Historical Society.

Anderson urged anyone with family knowledge, records, or leads to contact the committee so the applications can be completed.

Community members can reach Anderson through the Star Valley Historical Society Facebook page or directly by phone at 307-248-1315. Anderson said his goal is to post a list of identified names on the Historical Society’s Facebook page, including which cases still need assistance gathering documentation.

“If you see that posted, jump right in,” he said.

Anderson also shared a broader message about why the memorial matters locally. He noted that many veterans and families were affected not only by combat but by long-term consequences, including Agent Orange-related health challenges and the lingering impact of PTSD.

“Many of them we find that is what ultimately took their life,” he said, describing how the wall provides an opportunity for recognition and closure.

Anderson framed the committee’s work as a way to ensure the experience of The Wall That Heals is deeply tied to Star Valley, connecting national history to local families and service stories.

“The database, of course, has the names from all over the nation,” he said, “but to have that from the people right here in Star Valley… I think that’s fantastic.”

Anderson continued, “This is our current list of Vietnam War veterans who returned home and have since passed away. Each had strong ties to Star Valley—through birth or lifelong residence. When Wyoming Welcomes the Wall That Heals arrives in Afton from July 9–12, 2026, we will honor and thank these men for their courageous service in defense of liberty.”

Robert Allan Adams

Scott Marvin Baldwin

Brent Leon Brown

Rene L. Call

Verdell A Call

Ed Clark

Brady S. Clinger

David S. Clinger

Melvin S. Clinger

Robert Floyd Coggins

Carl Boyd Dabel

Ronnie Dabel

Bruce Randy Graham

Kermitt Haderlie

William Leon Hodges

David Gardner Heiner

Ralph Sherman Hemmert

Don Hill

Tex L. Hoopes

Michael Ivie

Ned Joseph Jensen

George Elden Johnson

Dan Lee Leavitt

Thomas D. Linford

Donald J. Metcalf

Quinton Lee Newman

Clint Robinson

Michael Bert Ruud

Richard Gary Sanderson

Steve Spaulding

Scott Lynn Smith

Laron Stoker

Darrell Suter

Wendall D. Warren

Craig Louis Wolfley

Dellis Wright

“We’re still seeking help to locate families or friends of Star Valley area Vietnam veterans who have passed away and are willing to help complete the application process (including DD-214, death certificate, photos, and a short life story).”

Anyone interested, please contact Ron Anderson at 307‑248‑1315 or gcreekranch@gmail.com.