Veterans Day is a big deal at #1 Properties. Several of our agents are veterans and there are multiple others with family who are veterans or actively serving. But it’s also important to remember that military is a significant part of our community here in Cheyenne.

Cheyenne’s military connections stretch back to 1867, when Fort D.A. Russell was established alongside the growing railroad town that would become Cheyenne. Over the generations, that installation evolved into what we know today as F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

From the soldiers stationed to the generations of airmen, National Guard members, veterans, and military families who have followed, service has helped shape the people and traditions of our community.

And while that history is worth remembering, the stories closest to our hearts are often much more personal.

This Veterans Day, members of our #1 Properties family are sharing photographs, memories, and reflections about the veterans who have made a difference in their lives.

The People Behind the Uniforms

For #1 Properties REALTOR, Denise Olson, Veterans Day is a time to recognize the men and women who have sacrificed so much so we can enjoy freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

With a daughter who has served in the Air Force, Denise has experienced military service from a parent's perspective. It's given her a deeper appreciation for the commitment, courage and sacrifice service requires, not only from those wearing the uniform but also from the families supporting them.

"Watching her serve has also helped me better understand the sacrifices families make. The time apart, the worry, and the support it takes to stand by someone serving our country." Denise shares.

Her experience is a reminder that military service touches entire families. Behind each service member are loved ones navigating deployments, distance, uncertainty, and the emotions that come with supporting someone who has chosen to serve.

That appreciation shouldn't end when Veterans Day is over.

"We owe our veterans more than just one day of recognition. We owe them our gratitude, our respect, and our continued support, not only today, but every day."

A Family’s Perspective on Service

#1 Properties REALTOR, Cynthia Biggs, shares a similar personal connection to Veterans Day.

Her husband and both of her grown sons have served in the military, giving her a firsthand understanding of both the challenges and the pride that can accompany military life.

"I have seen first-hand the toll that deployments, moving and uncertainty can have. I have also seen the pride of accomplishment, joy of jobs well done," Cynthia reflects.

For families like Cynthia's, service is not an abstract idea, it's part of everyday life. The time spent apart, the milestones celebrated together, and the adjustments made along the way are all wrapped up in the pretty bow of service and sacrifice.

Veterans Day offers an opportunity to recognize those experiences and the people behind them. Cynthia's message is one of appreciation, not only for veterans but also for their loved ones:

"Thank you to all veterans and thank you families for sharing your loved one with us!"

Supporting Veterans, Today & Everyday

As Denise wonderfully put it, veterans deserve our support and appreciation not only on Veteran’s Day but everyday. Thankfully there are a number of ways throughout the year to support service members and military families.

Below we’ve highlighted just a few of our favorite organizations that help military members, veterans, and their families build connections, find support, and feel appreciated.

Adopt an Airman—Cheyenne

Cheyenne's Adopt an Airman program connects newer enlisted airmen stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base with local host families who welcome them into their lives.

For an airman spending the holidays away from family or adjusting to life in a new community, something as simple as sharing a home-cooked meal, attending a local event, or having someone to call can help make Cheyenne feel more like home.

It's important to note that host families are not expected to provide housing. Instead, the program encourages them to build friendships and include airmen in everyday activities they already enjoy.

It's a meaningful opportunity for Cheyenne residents to extend the same neighborly kindness that makes our community special.

Interested in getting involved? Contact adoptanairmanwyo@gmail.com.

Hunting with Heroes Wyoming

For veterans who have experienced the challenges of military service, opportunities to reconnect with others can be especially meaningful.

Hunting with Heroes Wyoming creates opportunities for disabled veterans to enjoy hunting, fishing, and other outdoor experiences while building camaraderie with fellow veterans.

Beyond the activities themselves, the organization emphasizes connection, encouragement, and the friendships that can develop through shared experiences.

Community members can support its mission through donations, volunteering, and other opportunities to get involved.

RISE Foundation of Wyoming

Supporting our military community means being there during both the everyday moments and the unexpected challenges life can bring.

The RISE Foundation of Wyoming is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and military families through practical assistance and meaningful community connections.

From food and essential supplies to emergency assistance, family outreach, and connections to helpful resources, RISE works to ensure those who serve and have served know they have a community standing behind them.

Community members can support its mission through donations, volunteering, sponsoring programs and events, or helping spread awareness of the resources available.

These organizations remind us that appreciation can take many forms. It might mean donating supplies, volunteering time, supporting a program, or simply helping connect someone with a resource they need.

Recognizing Veteran-Owned Businesses in Our Community

As part of our Veterans Day recognition, we’re also highlighting some of our agents’ favorite veteran-owned businesses in Cheyenne and Southeast Wyoming. While this is just a few of them, there are several others out there that you can support!

Workman Fencing

Cheyenne, WY · Owner: Billy Workman

Workman Fencing is owned and operated by a 20-year military veteran. The company specializes in residential and commercial fencing, including wood, vinyl, chain-link, and dog runs. Its website also emphasizes the values of respect and service that its owner brings from his military career.

Learn more here: www.workman-fencing.com

Currie's Family Dining and Bluffs Bakery & Coffee

Pine Bluffs, WY · Owners: Pat and Amy Currie

Patrick Currie is a third-generation Marine infantry veteran. He and his wife Amy both have extensive backgrounds as ground and flight paramedics. They opened Currie's Family Dining and Bluffs Bakery & Coffee in 2022, combining their love of cooking and baking with a desire to continue serving their community.

Learn more here: www.curriescuisine.com

Service First Carpet Cleaning and Restoration

Cheyenne, WY · Founder: Tom Taylor

Tom Taylor retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service. He founded Service First more than 15 years ago, building a locally owned company specializing in carpet cleaning and restoration. His family's involvement in Cheyenne spans youth sports, 4-H, FFA, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and other community activities.

Learn more here: www.servicefirstcheyenne.com/about-us

Whether it's hiring a local contractor, visiting a neighborhood restaurant, or supporting a small business, choosing veteran-owned businesses is one way we can continue showing our appreciation throughout the year.

We're grateful to the agents who shared these recommendations and helped us recognize some of the veterans making a difference in our own community.

Honoring the Veterans Within Our #1 Properties Family

As we recognize the service and contributions of veterans throughout Cheyenne, we also want to take a moment to recognize veterans within our own #1 Properties family. Their experiences, perspectives, and commitment to service are part of the diverse backgrounds that make up our team.

Military service is a deeply personal experience, and we recognize that every veteran's story is different. Some are eager to share their experiences, while others prefer to keep those memories private.

Today, we simply want to express our appreciation to the veterans who are part of our company, whether their service is widely known or quietly held close.

To the veterans of #1 Properties: Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the contributions you continue to make to our community. We're grateful to have you as part of our team.

About #1 Properties

#1 Properties is proud to be the foremost real estate brokerage in Southeast Wyoming. Starting in 1984, we have had an unwavering commitment to knowledge, exemplary service, and deep-rooted community involvement across all facets of the real estate industry. We've had the privilege of being able to support and sponsor a variety of community organizations and events. From the arts to charitable organizations, we believe in strengthening our community. Contact us today for any and all of your real estate needs.

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