Grand Opening Draws Standing-Room-Only Crowd
Dubois, Wyoming — May 28, 2022
Despite steady rain, it was standing room only under the Veterans Pavilion at the National Museum of Military Vehicles as hundreds gathered for the museum’s long-awaited grand opening ceremony.
Guests traveled from near and far, filling every seat and lining the pavilion, united for a program that honored service, sacrifice, and American history.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition
The ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome from Executive Director Alynne Catron, who greeted attendees and set the tone for the morning.
The Presentation of the Colors followed, delivered by U.S. Army recruiters from Casper and accompanied by the Lander Volunteer Fire Department Pipe & Drum Band.
A recording of the National Anthem, sung by the Riverton High School Jazz Choir, was played before the audience joined together for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Distinguished Voices Take the Stage
A lineup of prominent speakers highlighted the significance of the day:
- Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
- LTG Roger Schultz (Ret.), President of the Army Historical Foundation
- William “Doc” Schmitz, former VFW Commander-in-Chief
- Dan Starks, Founder and Chairman of the museum
Governor Gordon opened with reflection and prayer, urging attendees to remember those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Schultz and Schmitz followed, both praising the museum’s mission and its impact on preserving the legacy of American veterans. During the ceremony, Schmitz presented Starks with a VFW Commander-in-Chief KA-BAR knife in recognition of his work.
A Mission Beyond the Building
Closing the ceremony, Dan Starks emphasized that the day was not about the museum itself, but about two enduring ideas:
- Honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families
- Preserving and celebrating American freedom
He also recognized World War II veteran Tom Gutherie and the family of Chance Phelps, reinforcing the deeply personal stories at the heart of the museum.
Ribbon Cutting Marks a Long-Awaited Milestone
As the ceremony concluded, the rain eased just in time for the ribbon cutting.
Originally opened in August 2020, the museum’s official grand opening had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 18 months later, the event served as a true public kickoff for a museum already gaining national recognition.
A Full Day of Experiences
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to explore the museum free of charge and take part in a wide range of activities:
- Tank demonstrations and rides
- An armored vehicle-launched bridge demonstration
- Outdoor shooting range experience
- Presentations by the VFW and the National Museum of the Army
- A Black Hawk helicopter static display
- Food trucks and on-site hospitality
Attendees dispersed across the grounds, experiencing both the scale of the collection and the immersive nature of the museum.
Building a National Destination
Located just outside Dubois—a short drive from Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park—the museum now spans more than 160,000 square feet and features over 500 military vehicles, more than 200 historically significant firearms, and a full-service on-site restaurant, The Canteen.
Built through a private investment of approximately $100 million, the museum has quickly established itself as a unique destination dedicated to telling the full story of American military service across all eras.
A Meaningful Beginning
What unfolded under the Veterans Pavilion was more than a ceremony—it was a statement of purpose.
Through reflection, recognition, and shared experience, the grand opening marked not just a milestone for the museum, but a renewed commitment to preserving the stories of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
