Wyoming’s Governor has order flags to half staff on the same day as a public memorial for a Wyoming Marine that was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year.
Governor Mark Gordon’s office announced on Thursday that he has ordered both the United States and Wyoming State Flags flown at half staff statewide; on Saturday, October 23, 2021; in honor of the service of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum.
McCollum, a Teton County resident, was killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.
A public memorial service has been planned for McCollum at the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch, accessed off of South Park Loop Road in Jackson, on Saturday. Seating will begin at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. service.
Flags were at half-mast in Teton County and the Wyoming state capitol in September, as well, when McCollum’s remains were returned to his home town of Jackson. Multiple law enforcement and first responder agencies were staged by the Jackson Hole Airport ahead of the soldier’s arrival by plane. Community members lined the streets to pay respects to the Bondurant native as the procession moved through town.
In the days following, Gigi Crayton, wife of McCollum, gave birth to Levi Rylee Rose McCollum at Camp Pendleton in California. Funeral arrangements were put on hold until Crayton could give birth, according to the family.
Thousands of people have donated to various fundraising efforts for the family. Efforts had raised at least $1,058,466 for the family as of September 23. Over 12,900 donors had contributed to a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for Levi’s education and upbringing. $686,336 has been donated to that fund, which was set up by Into The Breach Supply Co.
A second fundraiser organized by Jill Crayton, had raised $232,209 in late September and a third GoFundMe fundraiser called “Rest Easy USMC Rylee McCollum”, set up by Ryan Blair and Lalan Dewey, had raised $66,921 by late September.
McCollum was 20 years old. He was a former student of Jackson Hole High School, graduate of Summit Innovations School and high school wrestler. McCollum’s sister said he wanted to be a history teacher and a wrestling coach once he completed his service.
