Episode 3244 –  The Wyoming Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, Part 2

In this second part of Episode 3244 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast, host Mac Payne continues the story of Wyoming's 2026 Vietnam Veterans Day celebration, held at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. The episode centers on Lee Alley, Wyoming’s most decorated Vietnam veteran, whose heroic actions during the 1967 Viet Cong assault on Fire Base Cudgel earned him a Distinguished Service Cross and multiple other honors. Payne recounts Alley’s harrowing last stand—firing weapons until they were spent, throwing them into the river, and using grenades until he finally swam to safety. The emotional climax comes when Alley returns to Vietnam and meets one of his former enemies, leading to a powerful moment of reconciliation: a shared hug and a mutual promise to end their nightmares. The episode also highlights the ongoing struggles of Vietnam veterans with PTSD, suicide, and reintegration, emphasizing the critical role of community, recognition, and institutions like the museum in healing. Host Mac Payne praises Dan Starks, the museum’s owner, for creating a space that honors veterans’ sacrifices and fosters understanding among civilians.