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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(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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Friends, family, and fellow service members attend a historic change of responsibility ceremony for twin brothers Edmundo and Edwardo Herrera at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. Edwardo Herrera takes on the role of Command Sgt. Maj. of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera prepares for deployment. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)
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Lt. Col. Paul Leoni speaks to the incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera (left) and outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera (right) during a 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.
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“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.”
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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 begin 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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Friends, family, and fellow service members attend a historic change of responsibility ceremony for twin brothers Edmundo and Edwardo Herrera at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. Edwardo Herrera takes on the role of Command Sgt. Maj. of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera prepares for deployment. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)
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The Herrera brothers share a few laughs during the ceremony at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera (left) succeeds outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera (right) in a transition of responsibility. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)
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Command Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera addresses friends, family and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. The event was part of a change of responsibility ceremony with Herrera relinquishing his responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Jacqueline Alderman) (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Alderman)
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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.
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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.
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1st Sgt. Aaron Feagler stands at the head of the formation in 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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Friends, family, and fellow service members attend a historic change of responsibility ceremony for twin brothers Edmundo and Edwardo Herrera at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 27, 2024. Edwardo Herrera takes on the role of Command Sgt. Maj. of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera prepares for deployment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Jacqueline Alderman) (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Alderman)
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Command Sgt. Maj. Edwardo Herrera addresses friends, family and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion 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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The Wyoming Army National Guard marked a historic event for twin brothers Edmundo and Edwardo Herrera during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 27, 2024. Edwardo Herrera takes on the role of Command Sgt. Maj. of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as Sgt. Maj. Edmundo Herrera prepares for deployment. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Alderman)
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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.”
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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.”
When a clinic closes in Wyoming, it doesn’t just close a door; it can cut off access to care for entire communities.
For many residents, getting to a health care provider already means traveling long distances across multiple counties, and local clinics are often the only nearby option for basic health care. With one Title X Family Planning clinic in western Wyoming now closed, the challenge is becoming even more real for many people.
Reproductive and sexual health care is a key part of overall health, but it’s often one of the first services people lose access to when clinics close. Title X Family Planning is a federal program that helps people get essential preventive care, no matter their income. These clinics offer services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI and HIV testing, and care before pregnancy. They help people stay healthy, catch problems early, and plan for their futures.
The need is real. Wyoming’s Title X Family Planning network remains a critical part of the state’s health care system, helping bridge gaps in both access and affordability. With 9 clinics currently serving communities across the state, these providers cared for nearly 12,000 patients through more than 28,000 visits between 2022 and 2025. For many, these clinics are their only source of care: 49% of patients were uninsured, and nearly half were living at or below the federal poverty level.
In a state where distance and cost can both be barriers, affordable care is essential. About 14.6% of Wyoming women ages 19–44 are uninsured, higher than the national average. Title X clinics help meet this need by offering low- or no-cost care, while also connecting patients to referrals and additional health services when needed, ensuring more individuals can get the care they deserve.
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These clinics are also on the front lines of prevention. In recent years, they delivered more than 3,100 cervical cancer screenings and about 20,000 STI and HIV tests. Services like these support early detection and treatment, helping reduce the need for more serious and costly care down the line.
In rural states like Wyoming, once a clinic closes, it is very hard to bring it back. These clinics are more than buildings; they are part of the local health care system that keeps communities healthy.
The good news is that Title X Family Planning clinics are still open, working every day to serve their communities. The Wyoming Health Council supports this network of clinics and works to ensure that people across the state can access the care they need. Through partnerships, education, and community-based programs, the organization helps connect Wyoming residents to reproductive and sexual health services, no matter where they live.
In a state where distance, cost, and provider shortages all play a role, these clinics, and the work supporting them, are more than just a convenience. They are a lifeline.
To help sustain this work and protect access to care across Wyoming, consider making a donation to the Wyoming Health Council.
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Donation Link: givebutter.com/WYTitleX
Required Federal Funding statement: This project is supported by the Office of Populations Affairs (OPA) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award 1 FPHPA 006541-0-00 totaling $978,380 with 100 percent funded by OPA/OASH/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by OPA/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council voted Tuesday to approve on first reading a zoning change for a vacant 2.4-acre parcel located at 1530 SE Wyoming Boulevard, transitioning the property from residential to commercial use.
The ordinance reclassifies Lot 4 of the Methodist Church Addition from Residential Estate to General Business. Located between East 15th and East 18th streets, the irregular-shaped property has remained undeveloped since it was first platted in 1984.
While original plans for the subdivision envisioned a church and an associated preschool, Community Development Director Liz Becher reported those projects never materialized.
According to Becher, the applicant sought the rezoning to facilitate the potential installation of a cell tower or an off-premises sign. Under the new C-2 designation, a cell tower up to 130 feet in height is considered a permitted use by right, though any off-premises sign would still require a conditional use permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The applicant also owns the adjacent lot to the north, which the city rezoned to general business in 2021.
Becher said the change aligns with the “Employment Mixed Use” classification in the Generation Casper comprehensive land use plan. This designation typically supports civic, institutional and employment spaces.
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Despite the new zoning, the property remains subject to a subdivision agreement that limits traffic access. Entry and exit are restricted to right turns onto or from East 15th Street, and no access is permitted from East 18th Street.
The council will vote on two more readings of the ordinance before it is officially ratified.
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Two men were detained in Wyoming in connection with a fatal shooting at a downtown Salt Lake hotel that killed one man.
Carlos Chee, 23, and Chino Aguilar, 21, were both wanted for first-degree felony murder after the victim, identified as Christian Lee, 32, was found dead in a room at the Springhill Suites near 600 South and 300 West.
According to warrants issued for their arrest, Chee and Aguilar met with Lee and another woman at the hotel to sell marijuana. During the alleged drug deal, Aguilar allegedly shot and killed Lee after he tried to grab at his gun.
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Investigators said they found Lee dead in the room upon arrival, as well as a single shell casing on the floor and a small amount of marijuana on the television stand.
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The woman told investigators she had met Chee on a dating app and that he agreed to come to the hotel to sell her marijuana. She had been hanging out with him in the room, which Lee rented for her to use, when Lee asked them to leave. Lee was then shot and killed following a brief confrontation.
Chee and Aguilar allegedly fled the scene in a 2013 Toyota Camry with a Texas license plate that was later found outside of Rock Springs, Wyoming just a few hours later.
The two men were taken into custody and detained at the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.
