WWII Veteran honored at military appreciation football game

John Gibler of Basin was asked to flip the coin at Riverside’s military appreciation game on Saturday. Gibler served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was stationed in Korea.  Gibler went to school in Basin until was drafted part way through his senior year. He recalled picking up rocks during PE class on the same field Saturday’s game was on when he was in junior high.  Then later, playing football on the field as a Basin Bobcat. Back then, the field was dirt. His wife Dorothy, daughter Johnna Ely and granddaughter Brinklow were also in attendance. 

The varsity team ran on to the field with flags of the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Army, Space Force and POW/MIA, along with the stars and stripes. 

Gibler rode to the middle of the field in a side-by-side driven by Riverside graduate Mike Laird. He graduated as a Basin Bobcat in 1984. Laird joined the Wyoming National Guard in 1983 and was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2006. He retired in 2021 as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. Laird is a member of the American Legion Unit #32 in Greybull. Also riding in the side-by-side was Basin veteran Ralph Smith. 

The coin used for the toss was an American Legion Department of Wyoming Challenge Coin.   It was given to Gibler to keep after the toss by Bobby Werner, who is a commissioner for the Wyoming Veterans Commission. He is a member of Post #32 and the District Four Commander for the American Legion. 

The color guard was presented by the American Legion Post #29 of Basin. Merrita Powell sang the National Anthem. During half-time, announcer CJ Duncan spoke about the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families. A POW/MIA chair was placed in the middle of the field. Veterans and their families were asked to stand to be recognized. Bryce George closed out the program by singing “America the Beautiful.” 

One of the tables at the event had clear Christmas ornaments. Attendees were asked to write the name of a veteran on the ornament. They will be used to decorate a tree for the holidays. For those that were unable to attend, the blank ornaments will be left in the foyer of the Basin Area Chamber, along with red and blue sharpies. If you have a veteran who you would like to honor, please stop by the chamber to write their name and branch of service.