Documentary follows six Wyoming veterans through their return home
An excerpt from “Crossing the Threshold” tours the state this month, featuring J.C. Dye and five other service members.
By Allison Rojas ·
A documentary excerpt featuring six Wyoming veterans begins a state tour on November 10 in Riverton. The film, titled “Crossing the Threshold,” is currently screening in select locations before its full release. The project examines the lives of service members after they leave the military.
J.C. Dye is one of the featured subjects. He joined the Marines at age 19 and served in Vietnam at fire support bases. He returned home two years later. Dye grew up on a ranch in Montana and now lives in Fremont County. He works as a painter and sculptor. His studio is located on Main Street in Lander.
Dye describes his return to civilian life as a period of busy activity. He secured a job on a ranch within days of his return. He did not recognize his symptoms at the time. He noted that the term post-traumatic stress disorder was not widely known. He recalled a specific incident in the Ia Drang Valley where his unit was overrun. He has no memory of the five months following that event.
The documentary also includes Hannah King, a resident of Hudson. Other featured veterans have diverse backgrounds. The film explores how these individuals processed their service. Dye credits art with occupying his mind during difficult periods. He worked on ranches for more than a decade before buying his family's land. He later struggled with alcoholism, which led to health issues including pancreatitis.
Dye speaks about the changing nature of modern warfare. He observes that fewer Americans are directly involved in conflicts today. He argues that media portrayal often makes war seem like a game. He believes society has detached itself from the human cost of conflict. He specifically cites the visual impact of napalm on children as a primary source of his stress.
The film tour includes a stop in Jackson on November 11. The final scheduled stop is in Lander on November 12. The full documentary is set for a later release. The preview screenings allow local audiences to see the early footage.
Dye offers advice to new veterans based on his own experience. He notes that the military system has historically struggled to support returning soldiers. He compares the government's handling of veterans to a ranch manager who keeps a bad employee. He emphasizes the need for community involvement and care.
