HELENA, MT – 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.”

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