Wyoming

Twins exchange command at Wyoming National Guard

Published

2 years ago

July 15, 2024

Twins exchange command at Wyoming National Guard

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Lt. Col. Paul Leoni, commander of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, speaks to the accomplishments of Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera, the outgoing command sergeant major of the unit, and gives a gift at the unit’s change of responsibility ceremony at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. The ceremony marked the transition of responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera (left) to Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera (right).
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)

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Brethren in Arms: Twins Exchange Command — 2 / 4

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(Left to right) Lt. Col. Paul Leoni, Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera, Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera, an 1st Sgt. Aaron Feagler complete the symbolic passing of the guidon ceremony for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s change of responsibility ceremony at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. The ceremony marked the transition of responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera to Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — After 35 months in the position, Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera passed the guidon to his twin brother, Edwardo Herrera, who will now serve as the new command sergeant major of the Wyoming National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Edmundo is preparing for deployment to the Middle East.

The event at the Wyoming State Capitol June 27 marked the first time twin brothers in the Wyoming Army National Guard held the same high-ranking position consecutively.

“Edwardo is prepared to recruit and retain future talent, and I have confidence in my brother’s abilities to lead the battalion,” Edmundo said.

The Herrera brothers’ journey began in Cheyenne, where they grew up as first-generation Americans. Edwardo said Edmundo inspired him to join the Army National Guard.

“Edmundo enlisted a couple of years before I did, and I saw how the Wyoming Army National Guard positively impacted his life,” Edwardo said. “It made him a better brother, friend and man. I also witnessed his relationships with leaders in the organization and how they were dedicated to developing him. This motivated me and made me want to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

The brothers have served together in the 115th Field Artillery Brigade and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Their shared experiences have strengthened their bond and their commitment to the Soldiers they lead.

“Serving together has motivated us to be better servant leaders for our Soldiers,” Edwardo said. “It has also created opportunities to collaborate and work on solutions for Soldier and organizational issues.”

Throughout their careers, Edmundo and Edwardo have been almost neck and neck in rank, fostering a healthy competition that pushed both to excel.

“Soldiers thrive in competition, so we have always pushed each other to do our best,” Edwardo said.

Despite their competitive nature, their support for each other has been steady.

Both brothers have achieved notable milestones, including earning the Director’s 54 Badge in Recruiting and Retention and participating in the State Partnership Program with Tunisia. These experiences have defined their careers and demonstrated their dedication to the National Guard’s mission.

As Edwardo steps into his new role, both brothers are focused on their current responsibilities. Edwardo is prepared to lead the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, while Edmundo is gearing up for a deployment to the Middle East. They both aspire to serve in higher levels of responsibility, potentially competing for positions such as brigade command sergeant major, state command sergeant major, or command senior enlisted leader.

In reflecting on their journey, the brothers emphasized balancing military duties with personal lives.

“We both love cooking, traveling and spending time with our friends and families,” Edwardo said. “Having a personal and professional relationship allows us to spend additional time together and lean on each other through challenges.”

Their story is a testament to the power of family, dedication and service. Edmundo hopes their journey will inspire others in the military and those considering service.

“I hope our story persuades those interested in serving to take the next step of enlisting,” Edmundo said.” For current military members, I hope this inspires them to reflect on just how important their service is and the positive impact they can have on those around them.”

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Wyoming

Wyoming Rodeo Stars Set for National High School Finals

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Press Room

Wyoming Rodeo Stars Set for National High School Finals

The 78th National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) starts on Sunday, July 19, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and goes through Saturday, July 25, 2026. There are 12 rodeo performances across the seven days, with six in the first round and six in the second round. The top 20 cowboys and cowgirls return to the championship short round at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Wyoming has 51 contestants competing across the 13 rodeo events, plus light rifle and trap shooting.

WYOMING RODEO ATHLETES OPEN COMPETITION AT NHSFR

Yoder’s Hadley Thompson was the All-Around Cowgirl at the 2025 NHSFR. She won national titles in the breakaway roping and goat last year in Rock Springs. Wyoming finished 11th in the team standings last year with 3,750.00 team points. The Cowboy State’s girls placed sixth, and the boys were 25th. Thompson also had the AQHA Horse of the Year for Cowgirls in CD Smokin Miss Kitty. Emeree Tavegie was sixth in pole bending.

The daily rodeo performances are at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The first go ends after Wednesday morning’s performance, while the second go ends after Saturday morning’s performance.

Wyoming State High School Finals Rodeo Results & NHSFR Qualifiers 2026

Wyoming’s contestants and events with their draw

Ryley Alameda – Reined Cow Horse (Mon AM, Thurs PM)

Wade Asay – Reined Cow Horse (Tues PM, Wed AM)

Claire Bilek – Girls Cutting (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Kolton Bonenberger – Bull Riding (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Jace Bowles – Team Roping (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Cooper Brownlee – Shooting Rifle and Shooting Trap

Blue Butler – Breakaway Roping (Mon AM, Fri PM); Goat Tying (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Kolbe Chant – Tie-Down Roping (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Heston Crozier – Shooting Trap

Blake Cushman – Pole Bending (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Karly Davis – Barrel Racing (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Teague Duncan – Saddle Bronc (Tues PM, Thurs AM)

Memphis Erdman – Shooting Rifle

Hays Espenscheid – Team Roping (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Kendrie Ewing – Barrel Racing (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Ellie Feathers – Shooting Rifle

Kashley Fornstrom – Barrel Racing (Tues PM, Thurs AM)

Kade Fraley – Saddle Bronc (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Landon Gold – Team Roping (Sun PM, Sat AM); Steer Wrestling (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Teague Goodman – Steer Wrestling (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Tanner Griemsman – Team Roping (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Cody Hayden – Boys Cutting (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Rhame Hicks – Goat Tying (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Stone Hooten – Shooting Trap

Coe Hornbuckle – Barrel Racing (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Carter Hutchison – Steer Wrestling (Tues PM, Thurs AM); Tie-Down Roping (Sun PM, Sat AM); Reined Cow Horse (Mon AM, Thurs AM)

Kress Johnson – Team Roping (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Taylor Kimzey – Shooting Rifle

Emma Martin – Pole Bending (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Bella Martinson – Breakaway Roping (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Anna McQueeney – Girls Cutting (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Raden Miller – Steer Wrestling (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Taten Mills – Team Roping (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Owen Monfeldt – Bull Riding (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Ashtyn Noland – Reined Cow Horse (Mon PM, Thurs AM)

Keon Norris – Bareback Riding (Tues PM, Thurs AM)

Riggin Pearce – Bull Riding (Tues PM, Thurs AM)

Bridger Peil – Tie-Down Roping (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Karly Peterson – Girls Cutting (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Nathan Peterson – Boys Cutting (Tues PM, Thurs AM)

Trenton Rogers – Bareback Riding (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Rickie Jo Rourke – Goat Tying (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Tuf Scarborough – Saddle Bronc (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Ty Scarborough – Saddle Bronc (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Stetson St. Clair – Bull Riding (Wed AM, Wed PM); Team Roping (Sun PM, Sat AM)

Whitney Tarver – Team Roping (Mon PM, Fri AM)

Emeree Tavegie – Pole Bending (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Dylan Thar – Breakaway Roping (Tues AM, Thurs PM)

Hadley Thompson – Breakaway Roping (Mon AM, Fri PM); Pole Bending (Tues PM, Thurs AM); Goat Tying (Wed AM, Wed PM)

Cruz Viles – Team Roping (Mon AM, Fri PM)

Tuf Weber – Shooting Trap

The Light Rifle competition is on Tuesday, July 21, and the Short Go is on Wednesday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. The Trap Shooting competition is on Thursday, July 23, and the Short Go is on Friday, July 24 at 8 a.m. The Reined Cow Horse event will start on Monday, July 20, and go through Thursday, July 23, each day at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Reined Cow Horse Championship Short Go is on Friday at 4 p.m. The Cutting Events start on Sunday at 7 p.m., then will run at 9 a.m. from Monday through Friday. The 12th Cutting performance is Saturday, July 25 at 8 a.m. The Cutting Championship Short Go is on Saturday at 2 p.m.

National High School Finals Rodeo

Gallery Credit: Dakota Riddle Photography

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Wyoming

July 15 recap: Wyoming news you may have missed today

Published

16 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Press Room

July 15 recap: Wyoming news you may have missed today

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Wyoming

Election Q&A: Jessica Crowder for Wyoming House District 43

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Election Q&A: Jessica Crowder for Wyoming House District 43

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, Cap City News is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.

Candidates were asked:

What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?

Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the Cap City News Election Tracker.

Jessica Crowder (R), Wyoming House District 43

What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?

Wyoming is built on hard work, strong communities, and the responsible use of our natural resources. The families in House District 43 and Wyoming face real challenges — from the need for a more resilient, diverse economy to the increasing outmigration of young people. Wyoming families also face rising costs of healthcare, housing and more. House District 43 deserves a representative that puts people first and works to strengthen the place we call home through steady and thoughtful leadership.

If elected, how will you address these challenges?

As a legislator, I will use my experience working with landowners, businesses, and local governments to support the industries that define Wyoming while encouraging thoughtful growth and diversification. Our future depends on good jobs, strong schools, and communities where families can put down roots and thrive. We can honor the values that make Wyoming what it is while building something that lasts—an economy that works for working people, an education system that prepares the next generation, and communities that remain resilient and connected.
The rising cost of healthcare and the difficulty of accessing services are real challenges for Wyoming families. We need reforms that reduce costs, expand access—including to mental health resources—and meet people where they are. The 2026 Health Insurance Affordability Task Force is working to address rising costs, and I will work with this group and others to develop effective solutions that deliver the quality care our communities deserve.
Tax and housing reforms must be reviewed for possible refinement so people can afford to buy homes, stay in their homes, and build equity and pride of place. At the same time, every Wyoming county depends on a different mix of revenue, and we all rely on stable, predictable local funding for essential services. I will participate in honest, informed conversations about how to provide relief to those who need it most without jeopardizing essential services.
Wyoming’s economy depends on our core industries and new businesses that invest here. Both need clear, consistent processes and regulations so they have confidence in choosing Wyoming. Economic growth also relies on strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce. When these pieces work together—predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, workforce readiness, and responsible budgeting—they create a stable environment that encourages growth, provides good jobs, and protects taxpayers.

What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?

I believe we maintain and create opportunity by respecting the people who live here and the land that sustains us. I grew up on a ranch and now raise my family in Laramie County, where we run a ranch and small business, so I understand the challenges facing families, landowners, and employers. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land management, and public policy, I’ve supported working lands, defended local interests, and strengthened communities. The values that guide this work—practical problem solving, respect for local knowledge, and a commitment to community—have broad application beyond land management and would serve me well in the legislature.

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