Jerry Ewen of Shell grew up on the family ranch near Shell. The ranch is no longer in his family, “but my heart has never left the land,” he said, noting that he and wife Kathy own a piece of the ranch and a built their home there in 1997. Ewen spent three years in the Army (1967-70), during which time he served one year as a med-evac helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and lived for a short time in Dallas before returning to Wyoming in 1973. Since then, he’s worn many hats, working for 17 years for Hawkins and Powers Aviation, then as a self-employed general contractor designing and building custom homes, and most recently, as a design and construction consultant. Outside of work, he is active in the Shell Community Church, and is a past member of the Greybull Fire Department, the Big Horn County School District No. 3 board of trustees, and the Big Horn County Counseling board (which for several years he chaired). He also volunteers for the Big Horn County 4-H program as an advisor and assistant coach for the shooting program. As for his qualifications for the commission, Ewen said he “knows what it means to serve,” citing his time in Vietnam and proven ability “to stand up to difficult situations without flinching.” He cites his family’s ties to the community. “My family has been in this community for over 100 years,” he said. “I know the people and I understand the joys and difficulties of life in this valley.” With his roots in agriculture, Ewen said he “understands the challenges faced by our agricultural families,” and in terms of his business background, notes that he “understands our need for affordable housing and controlled, healthy growth which will preserve our way of life.” Finally, Ewen notes that he is “conservative by nature and practice. I understand that government does not have all the answers to life’s problems, but instead works to provide an atmosphere where people live in peaceful community and are able to live and work without undue government influence.” Jerry and his wife Kathy have been married 40 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.