GUERNSEY – May 3, 2024, was the official graduation for the 42 members of Leadership Wyoming Class of 2024. Their final tour as a class was a two-day event at Camp Guernsey on May 15 – 16 to become more familiar with the military in Wyoming.
Among them was Platte County Chamber of Commerce director Shawna Reichert of Guernsey. “It’s nice to be able to see the partnership with other organizations, the camp and local community,” she said.
“The value of our military presence in little Guernsey is pretty impressive,” said Ashley Harpstreith of Wyoming Taxpayers Association in Cheyenne. “I’m in government relations and I am really impressed with what they do – I didn’t realize there was so much.”
“It’s good to show civilian groups what we do. People hear the noise and see the traffic, it’s nice to show them what we provide to the state and to educate them on the partnership we have with the local community.” said CW4 Nathan Galloway, community relations officer for the Wyoming Military Department.

During the tour, participants were given rides in a C-130, flying over Glendo State Park, then concluded with UH60 (Blackhawk) helicopter rides over Guernsey Reservoir, Camp Guernsey’s north range, “then fly in tactical maneuvers along the terrain at 100 MPH and 50 feet over the Platte River, flying in a box canyon among the raptors, ducks, etc. before exiting at Guernsey airfield,” Camp Guernsey Airfield manager Jason Miller said.
Back in the briefing room of the air tower after the helicopter ride, there was a buzz of words like “Amazing! Gosh! Impressive! I could tell when we dropped into the maneuver!” and several comments about seeing antelope, deer, wild birds and the water looked so close it seemed you could almost touch it.”
Reichert said it was a great experience as a local resident, being able to see Platte County from a different perspective in the air during the C130 flight over Glendo State Park, and after the “amazing” Blackhawk demonstration of tactical maneuvers, which she compared to a rollercoaster ride, she said she has a greater appreciation for what soldiers who are training for the battlefield experience. “While the ride was fun, I kept thinking, the soldiers who are doing these maneuvers are going to possibly experience those maneuvers going into battle and was thinking of the apprehension they may experience in those times.”
Leadership Wyoming assistant director Linda Walsh said there is traditionally a “military day” for the Leadership Wyoming class, but it is usually in Cheyenne, where the members are given C130 and Blackhawk helicopter flights around the Cheyenne area. The last time the group was in Guernsey was in 2018.
“They can fly more loose here than in Cheyenne. Flying that canyon on the river is a once in a lifetime experience,” Walsh said.
Fulfilling the stated mission of “inspiring Wyoming’s leaders through exploration and connection,” Leadership Wyoming requires participants to study and delve deeper into the subject of each topic with related tours at locations across Wyoming. The nine tours from August through May are three-day events saturated with information from speakers, tours, specific topic discussions designed to challenge participants to learn about the industries, challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming. Any Wyoming resident can apply to participate but must have five years of leadership under their belt. More information can be found at www.leadershipwyoming.org.