Wyoming Vet Returned From Vietnam War To Become A CEO, But Still Haunted

Sheridan resident Cliff Root overcame trauma of war to lead multiple companies, but the memories still linger.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a military helmet in vibrant neon hues, conceptually representing the enduring psychological scars of combat.A pop art-inspired visual metaphor for the lasting impact of war trauma, even for those who find professional success after returning home.Riverton Today

Cliff Root, a 77-year-old resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, returned from the Vietnam War to become a successful CEO of multiple companies. However, after more than 50 years, he is still haunted by the things he witnessed during his time in the war, including the death of fellow soldiers. Root credits his wife Marisa for helping him overcome the nightmares and effects of his service, and he now focuses his energy on community pursuits like serving on the board of the Volunteers of America Northern Rockies.

Why it matters

This story highlights the lasting impact of war trauma, even for those who go on to achieve professional success. It also showcases how supportive relationships and community involvement can help veterans cope with the psychological scars of combat. As Wyoming grapples with issues like veteran suicide and mental health, Root's experience provides important insights.

The details

Cliff Root was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served as a point man with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. He was involved in numerous firefights and saw the death of fellow soldiers, including one who stepped on a claymore mine. Despite being nominated for a Silver Star, Root refused the award, saying it should go to the soldiers who died. After returning from Vietnam, Root faced rejection from some Americans who called him a 'baby killer.' He eventually moved to Wyoming, where he worked his way up to become CEO of Bonneville Transloaders Incorporated (BTI) and the Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad. However, the trauma of his wartime experiences continued to haunt him, leading to nightmares that his wife Marisa helped him overcome.

  • Root was drafted in 1969 and served in Vietnam that year and into 1970.
  • Root suffered a stroke in 2015, forcing him to retire from his executive role at the railroad.
  • Root plans to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. at the end of this month.

The players

Cliff Root

A 77-year-old resident of Sheridan, Wyoming who served in the Vietnam War and later became a successful CEO of multiple companies, including Bonneville Transloaders Incorporated (BTI) and the Bighorn Divide & Wyoming Railroad.

Marisa Root

Cliff Root's wife of 41 years who helped him overcome the nightmares and effects of his wartime experiences.

Mike Axthelm

The Chief Financial Officer at BTI who worked with Cliff Root for 14 years, describing him as a 'great guy to be around' with integrity and honesty.

William Westmoreland

The U.S. Army Chief of Staff during the Vietnam War, under whom Cliff Root's airborne unit was deployed.

Dale Killingbeck

The author of the original article about Cliff Root published in the Cowboy State Daily.

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What they’re saying

“I've always tried to be of service to the state, the county, the city, and the citizens. I always had the belief that if you look for the good in people, the good will come out.”

— Cliff Root

“While he was here, the company was quite large and we had several branch offices, and he did a good job of keeping the company cohesive and moving forward even though we had a lot of pieces to the company at that time. I just appreciated working with him. I appreciated his integrity and honesty and how he conducted himself.”

— Mike Axthelm, Chief Financial Officer, Bonneville Transloaders Incorporated

What’s next

Root plans to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. at the end of this month to find some closure for the experiences he had during the war.

The takeaway

Cliff Root's story highlights the lasting trauma of war and the importance of community support and personal relationships in helping veterans cope with the psychological scars of combat. Despite his professional success, the memories of Vietnam have continued to haunt him, underscoring the need for greater resources and understanding for those who have served.