Sailors Participate in Cheyenne Frontier Days

By Lt. Cmdr. John M. Lewis, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) and USS Wyoming (SSBN-742), personnel from Navy Operational Support Center Cheyenne and area recruiters are taking part in a variety of activities during the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days July 26-Aug. 1.

Crew members from Cheyenne and Wyoming have particpated in to attend Cheyenne Frontier Days for many years. During the weeklong event Sailors are able to meet the governor of Wyoming and mayor of Cheyenne, and participate in community outreach events at a Boys and Girls Club and Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

Sailors also have the opportunity to walk in the Grand Parades in downtown Cheyenne.

"It was great to see everyone come their feet when we walked by," said Wyoming Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bill McKinney. "This welcoming by this community has been great and it reminds us of why we serve."

Highlights for some Sailors includes a lunch and behind-the-scenes tour of a rodeo, a history of Cheyenne Frontier Days. They will also have the opportunity to watch a rodeo from four different locations.

Later this week Sailors will attend and participate in the Challenge Rodeo. The event pairs special-needs children with the PRCA rodeo contestants in a modified rodeo performance.

Crew members from Cheyenne and Wyoming are selected for this trip based on their performance. Sailors are required to pay their own way to get to Cheyenne. Many families in the Cheyenne area open up their homes to the Sailors and give them a place to stay while here.

Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place the last full week in July. In addition to the rodeo, there are many other activities including a carnival and concerts.