"The Wall That Heals," a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, arrives in Casper on Wednesday for a five-day visit.

The wall carries the names of more than 58,000 men and women killed or missing in action in the Vietnam War, laser-etched into black panels that form a chevron five feet high and 250-feet wide.

On the grounds of Fort Caspar, visitors will be able to view the wall 24 hours a day from approximately noon on Wednesday through late Sunday afternoon.

In addition to the hundreds of hours of work in planning every detail, the visit comes with a monetary price for the Natrona County United Veterans Council, which comprises four VFW posts, the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club.

"To get the wall here, we make a $5,000 donation to the Vietnam Veterans Museum in D.C.," said Ron Steffensmeier. "And then we're responsible for the set-up fees. We budgeted $10,500, that's what we figured we needed, and we found out this week just the electricity might run as high as $3,000."

Steffensmeier mailed letters requesting donations to groups known for their community support.

"I was terribly disappointed," he said. "Not one of those groups responded."

Individual donations to date are at about $4,000, and with the increase in electricity costs, Steffensmeier says the total could run as high as $12,000.

"We've got the money," he said, "but it's from a fund we use to help vets who need emergency money, so if that's depleted, then we don't have the cash to help our own."

While the donations have been disappointing, Steffensmeier said the group has all of the volunteers it needs, 75 to 80, and he said the group is grateful for the offers to help.

Monetary contributions may be made to the Natrona County United Veterans Council and mailed to Cecil Barnes, P.O. Box 735, Evansville, WY, 82636.

An official opening ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with Vietnam veteran and author Lee Alley of Wheatland serving as the guest speaker. Alley wrote "Back from War: A Quest for Life after Death." His medals include a Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He dedicated his book to all veterans who have answered their nation's call to duty.

Members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club will provide 24-hour security at the site.

The exhibition also includes a 53-foot trailer which carries the wall and converts to a museum when the wall is removed. The museum holds memorabilia, a map of Vietnam and a chronological summary of the conflict in Vietnam over several thousand years, which is particularly helpful to students whose only reference to Vietnam is historical.

Computers and the printed Directory of Names are housed in an adjacent tent to assist visitors with name searches. Computers in Casper will be operated 12 hours each day during the visit. Printed books will be accessible 24 hours a day to serve the same purpose.

Reach community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com.

If you go

When: Wednesday, early afternoon through Sunday, late afternoon

Opening Ceremony: 6:30 p.m., Thursday.

Where: Grounds of Fort Caspar

Admission: Free