The Historic Air Base In Cheyenne, WY

From Estes Park we traveled east alongside a rushing river through scenic, rocky Great Thompson Pass. It was a fairly short trip to Cheyenne, WY and the F.E. Warren Air Base. The latter is an old U.S. Army Cavalry post with 155 nostalgic, brick buildings built between 1885 and 1933 plus a large parade field that General Patton would have loved. The old barracks and elegant senior officers’ quarters look like they must have appeared 100 years ago. The old fireplaces and solid oak floors are still intact. History and architecture notwithstanding, the winters are harsh with high winds and average temps in the 30s during the day and into the teens at night. Average annual snowfall is 52 inches beginning in September and not ceasing until May. During the spring and summer, thunder storms are frequent along with hail and tornado warnings. During the three days we were there, it rained daily, and at one point one of the two roads leading to the RV famcamp eroded to the point that it was closed.

In 1949 the old fort transitioned into an air base and now holds the distinction of being the Air Force’s oldest continuously active installation. It was home to the first ICBM, the Atlas missile in 1958. In the 1960s 200 Minuteman I missiles replaced the Atlas. Currently 150 Minuteman III missiles are controlled by units at Warren and are on alert 24/7. They are deployed over a three-state area. The 20th Air Force Headquarters and 90th Missile Wing make their home at Warren.

On our second day at the air base, we made our way 50 miles south to Greeley, CO to visit Gloria’s cousin, Nelda, who is doing great at age 80. She and her late husband, Howard, were accomplished professional violinists and played in the Fort Collins Symphony among others. She is attractive and in excellent physical/mental condition. Nelda prepared a wonderful dinner for us, shared many family photos--all neatly organized in albums--and assisted Gloria regarding numerous genealogical questions. She also helped us identify an old photo we were carrying. It happened to be an early picture of Gloria’s paternal grandmother.

As we returned from Greeley to the Air Force base, Jerry was wheezing, coughing and suffering shortness of breath. After a sleepless night, he made his first trip ever to an emergency room. Evaluation was swift, and the diagnosis was bronchitis, which improved markedly with a breathing device and medication. Regrettably, the symptoms would persist for the next two weeks long after our departure from Cheyenne. Gloria would escape the dreaded virus, but only for a couple of days. We departed the base the next day and drove several hours to reach Gillette. Ah but at last, we had sunshine the entire way. It seemed obvious why Wyoming is named the Cowboy State.