Governor Gianforte Announces 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation Recipients

On Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 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.”

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.

Thirty-one 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:

Virgil Nelson, of Opheim, – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Arthur Widhalm, of Glasgow – U.S. Air Force, 1964-1994

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

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

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