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Yesterday, 20 Army National Guard Charlie Med soldiers returned from a year-long tour in Afghanistan. It was late and a little cold, but everyone was, obviously, in high spirits.

We cover this event fairly often, but seeing the jubilation and sheer joy of reunited families is always cool. There isn’t much else to say.

Click below to see more images from last night.

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Jerret Raffety first came to Wyoming in June of 2007 to accept a position as a staff photographer with the Rawlins Daily Times in Rawlins, Wyo. After spending two years learning community journalism in a town where it’s valued most, he accepted a position as a staff photographer with the Wyoming Tribune Eagle in July of 2009.

Raffety studied journalism and photography at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for his undergraduate degree. While taking college courses, he was a contributor to various local publications such as the Southwest Journal, Skyway News and the Pulse of the Twin Cities while holding staff positions with the Minnesota Daily and The Wake Magazine.

Raffety is a native of Milwaukee, Wis. and enjoys exploring the West and all of its wonders as much as possible.

This is the original take from PAW Austin Breckenridge. Due to spacial constraint and an editing decision, it ran as seen below — size and crop. Above is the original, which is not a bad photo — just not the right photo for circumstance.

Austin is a good kid with a lot of athletic talent. Last season, he became the first Central sophomore in years to win a state wrestling title. This past week, he replaced starting running back Michael Davis — who was ejected — during the Indians’ game against Green River.  He took control and ran for 120-plus yards with two touchdowns.

During yesterday’s shoot, we ran into another snag besides editing; the city was affected by a power outage. Thus, we didn’t have any variation in the shoot. I could’ve used my Speed Lights, but I didn’t bring them.

It’s likely Breckenridge hasn’t seen his last “spread” in the paper. Next time, he should get his due respect in both size and crop.

Also, the below image’s tone is flat for some reason related to Photoshop. I cropped it from the above image and saved it. The tone flattened.

Looking back on this month, it was not really filled with the ups and downs of previous months. Though nothing stands out above the rest, nothing really falls below either.

Across the boards, it was pretty consistent here. A guy attempted to jump off of a viaduct, the legendary Hitching Post Inn was closed, the Cowboys football team hosted No. 2 Texas and staff chief Michael Smith took a “hands down winner” of water droplets.

Looking back, I’m glad it’s now October; if only for the costume factor and pumpkin bread.

Thanks for looking.

-WTE photo staff

Snow, snow everywhere so let’s all run and hide!

After experiencing a winter-like storm in early autumn, some people new to the area might be surprised, or in instances rife with hysteria, setting stuff on fire to stay warm.

Fear not. As anyone hip to the region’s weather patterns will tell you, this kind of thing is more suited for June. Having lived in Wyoming for the better part of the past 25 years, I’ve seen worse, and usually, in more unseasonable months.

In June 2005, my hometown Laramie, was in a state of emergency when more than six inches of snow fell on the city. Really, in June? Yes, tree branches broke at a higher rate than sweats on the “Biggest Loser”.

More than anything, this was a precursor of worse things to come. Maybe not, however; I’m no Willard Scott, so I cannot really say “scientifically” if the weather will worsen. Mostly, I’m relying on my animal instincts. As such, I’m investing in a parka… unless the money I saved for said garment is somehow spent on Chick-o-sticks and Salted Nut Rolls, which will likely be the case.

More seriously, today was pretty fun despite having wet pants for the first time since infancy. Fellow staffer Jerret “J.R.,” “Jerry,” “Raffy” “Laverne” Raffety and I set out to shoot weather-related photos to illustrate the state of Cheyenne amidst this record-breaking blizzard.

I hope we did well since we both suffered hypothermia and frost bite… not really, but it’s fun to think so.

Thanks for looking.