HELENA, Mont. – Governor Gianforte today welcomed World War II and Korean War veteran Jack Kindelman of Billings to the governor’s office to thank him for his service.

“No one better embodies our Montana values and commitment to service than our veterans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It was an honor to meet Jack today and thank him for his life of service to our country and state.”

A Roundup native, Kindelman, 96, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945.

During World War II, Kindelman was stationed in Skaggs Island, California.

He continued his military service during the Korean War, when he was stationed in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the Yellow Sea.

Following his military service, Kindelman returned home to Roundup and worked in several different roles, including as a power operator at the Hungry Horse Dam and Fort Peck Dam, and as an electrician at the ExxonMobil refinery in Billings.

After retiring, Kindelman continued his service to Montana as a volunteer, dedicating more than 10,000 volunteer hours to St. Vincent Hospital over 31 years.

Kindelman and his daughter Jaci live in Billings and are proud Montanans.