Noteworthy

Governor orders flags to half-staff statewide on July 21 to honor return of Vietnam veteran

Governor Mark Gordon ordered both the U.S. and Wyoming state flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise to sunset on July 21, 2021 in honor and memory of 1st Lt. Alva “Ray” Krogman. A Worland native, Krogman’s plane was shot down during the Vietnam War while he was flying a scouting mission over Laos on Jan. 17, 1967. His remains were identified in Laos on July 7, 2020 and he was returned home to Worland.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol assisted in the procession from the Montana/Wyoming state line to Worland.

A public service for Lt. Krogman was held July 21 at the Worland Middle School Auditorium. n

Wyoming Highway Patrol leading the way along a crowd lined street for 1st Lt. Ray Krogman’s return home to Worland.

Samuelson memorial event held in August

WYDOT employees and family members gathered at Headquarters on Aug. 3 for a ceremony to commemorate Shirley Samuelson as her name was added to the WYDOT Employee memorial.

“We mourn with you today, as a WYDOT family, as a family who cares for each other, who works together and who watches each other’s back,” said WYDOT director Luke Reiner. “We have the responsibility and the obligation to recognize, to acknowledge and to memorialize our loss.”

Shirley was a heavy equipment operator in District 3 who died on the job in August 2020.

In addition to the spoken words, the ceremony included a presentation from the Wyoming Highway Patrol Color Guard, a song by vocalists Dawn and Alyssa West and a presentation of a flag to Samuelson’s family.

“Shirley was known for her dependability and courage,” said Col. Kebin Haller during the ceremony. “Today, Shirley’s name has been engraved on this memorial behind us to honor and pay tribute to her for her service to our state, as well as to make her name known and permanent into the future, to be forever remembered.” n

The WHP Color Guard presented colors at the beginning of the ceremony.

The family of Shirley Samuelson was present for the unveiling at the WYDOT/WHP Memorial on the Headquarters campus in Cheyenne.