Foy Jolley Jr., a retired Vietnam veteran, has dedicated his life to supporting fellow veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve, Hickory Daily Record reports.
Born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, Jolley has faced challenges but remained steadfast in his commitment to serving others, both during his military career and in civilian life. Now residing in Wyoming, he plays a key role in coordinating Honor Flights, a program that brings veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service.
Jolley’s journey began in North Carolina, where he grew up as one of eight siblings. Despite experiencing discrimination, he found a sense of purpose in the military, inspired by his fascination with airplanes. He left for basic training in 1957 and went on to serve in multiple locations, including Germany, Turkey, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan. His service in Vietnam in 1968 coincided with the Tet Offensive, a pivotal moment in the war, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.
After retiring from active duty in 1977, Jolley transitioned into law enforcement, working with the Wyoming State Capitol and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation until 1998. His commitment to public service extended beyond his career, as he took on leadership roles in various veteran organizations.
Jolley’s impact on the veteran community is far-reaching. He actively assists veterans in accessing benefits, understanding programs like the PACT Act, and navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Through his involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Wyoming, he works to address challenges faced by veterans and their families.
One of his most significant contributions is his role as chairman of the High Plains Honor Flight, based in Ault, Colorado. This program provides World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital and reflect on their service at dedicated memorials. Jolley himself took an Honor Flight in 2018 and describes the experience as life-changing.
“An Honor Flight is an official welcome home for veterans,” he said. “It’s a privilege that they won’t forget.”
Jolley continues to be an advocate for veterans in Wyoming and beyond. He is committed to increasing representation among African American and Native American veterans on Honor Flights and remains a dedicated presence at every flight departure.
Now living in Cheyenne with his wife, Cheryl, Jolley recently celebrated 46 years of marriage. Though his children and grandchildren reside in North Carolina, his impact is felt nationwide through his unwavering support for veterans.
