Podcast: Play in new window | Download
National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois
National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois
Episode 3232 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Veterans Day will be celebrated in Dubois, WY. The featured story appeared on the K2 Radio website of Casper, WY and is titled: Returning to Ghosts: A Wyoming Vietnam Vet Faces the War He Left Behind.
It was reported in the story that after nearly six decades, Lt. Lee Alley returned to Vietnam not as a combatant, but as a man seeking understanding, reflection, and peace. Once a young officer who fought in the brutal 1967 Battle of Firebase Cudgel, Alley revisited a country that had long been defined in his memory by violence and loss. Now, he sees it differently—recognizing both its beauty and the resilience of its people.
His journey is documented in Home from the Vietnam War, an upcoming Wyoming PBS film that explores not only the physical return to former battlefields, but also the emotional and psychological toll carried by veterans. Though highly decorated with honors including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart, Alley emphasizes that the true burden of war lies in memory and unresolved trauma.
The documentary will premiere during a March 28 event in Dubois, designed to honor Vietnam veterans and encourage reflection and healing. Through exhibits, ceremonies, and discussions, attendees are invited to engage with the legacy of the war and the experiences of those who lived through it.
A central element of the film is Alley’s interaction with Vietnamese refugee John Nguyen, offering a powerful perspective on reconciliation between former adversaries. Together, they confront the shared human cost of war.
Ultimately, Alley’s message is one of courage and healing. By facing painful memories rather than avoiding them, he hopes veterans and their families can begin meaningful conversations and find a path toward peace and understanding.
Listen to Episode 3232 and discover more about how Vietnam Veterans Day will be celebrated in Dubois, WY.
