HELENA, Mont. – On Veteran's Day, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation.
"Honoring our veterans with the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation award is a small yet meaningful way to express our profound gratitude for their sacrifice, service, and dedication to our freedoms," Gov. Gianforte said. "As we travel the state next year, we will honor 50 veterans with this award to recognize their brave service to our country and their continued commitment to their communities here in Montana."
Gov. Gianforte honoring Major Charles Noland, a 2023 recipient of the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation, in Huntley
Relying on nominations from Montanans, the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.
31 veterans received the award in 2021, 51 received in 2022, and 39 in 2023.
The 50 recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation will be honored in the new year with an award ceremony and receive a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor.
2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation Recipients:
Eileen Greb of Butte – U.S. Navy, Vietnam
David King of Butte - U.S. Marine Corps, 1965-1969
Michael Taapken of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps, 1985-1993
Robert Jacobi of Stanford – U.S. Navy, Vietnam
Clifford Holmes of Ballantine – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Marvin Brodock of Fort Benton – U.S. Army, 1970-1991
Virgil Nelson of Opheim – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Donald Jones of Laurel – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam
Nancy Dezell of Hamilton – U.S. Air Force, 2013
Sandra Youngbauer of Lewistown – U.S. Army, 1975-1996
Daniel Parker of Great Falls – U.S. Air Force, 1996-2018
Shannon Wilson of Great Falls – U.S. Army, 1985-1992
William Paris of Fort Benton – U.S. Army 1989-2003
Larry Tipton of Columbus – U.S. Navy Vietnam
Larry Ross of Roundup – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Michael Alexander of Park City – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Erick Fehlberg of Eureka – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Edwin Celander of White Sulphur Springs – U.S. Army, 1953-1955
Sherman Veltkamp of Bozeman – U.S. Army Vietnam
Michael Downs of Jordan – U.S. Army, 1969-1999
Randy Kemp of Bozeman – U.S. Army, 1971-1995
Len Albright of Bozeman – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam
Arthur Widhalm of Glasgow – U.S. Air Force, 1964-1994
Bradley Barker of Luther – U.S. Army, 1994-2014
Cynthia Cohan of Butte – U.S. Air Force, 1981-2009
Dale Herd of Havre – U.S. Army, 1988-2012
Dale McKnight of Dillon – U.S. Army, Vietnam; Montana National Guard, 1975-2009
Dave Haulman of Butte – U.S. Air Force, 1979-1983
Edgar Van Vleet of Black Eagle – U.S. Army, 1965-1971
Eric Rydom of Bigfork – U.S. Army, 1980-2006
Eric Craig Bradley of Livingston – U.S. Army, 1989-2016
Frank Tuss of Great Falls – U.S. Navy, 1958-1962
Jack Favero of Divide – U.S. Navy, Vietnam; U.S. Army, 1972-1993
James Porter of Great Falls – U.S. Navy, Vietnam
Kenneth Koehler of Miles City – U.S. Marine Corps,1992-1999
Luke Opp of Kalispell – U.S. Marine Corps, 1999-2003
Mark Kassube of Denton – U.S. Air Force and Montana Air National Guard, 2001-2022
Michael Samples of Butte – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam
Michael Lawson of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam
Mike McManus of Billings – U.S. Air Force, 1987-2007
Perry Brown of Helena – U.S Army, Vietnam
Richard Liebert of Great Falls – U.S. Army, 1977-2005
Richard Berg of Glendive – U.S. Army, Vietnam
Robert Curry of Lewistown – Montana Army National Guard, 2001-2010
Robert Longcake of Shelby – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam
Ron Milam of Missoula – U.S. Navy, Vietnam
Sharon Andersen of Dillon – U.S. Army Reserves, 1994-2002
Terri Klepper-Speasl of Coram – U.S. Army, Wyoming National Guard, 1977-1985
Theresa Watts of Clyde Park – Montana Army National Guard, 2001-2007
Todd Dunlap of Jefferson City - U.S. Navy, 1985-2008
Sean Southard
Director of Communications
Office of Governor Greg Gianforte
C: (406) 437-3291
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