RED LODGE, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized three veterans with his 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour as governor in Stillwater and Carbon counties.

“Having served their country with honor, these Montana veterans came home to continue their service to our communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As I travel the state, it's my honor to recognize them and their families for their sacrifice for our freedoms and commitment to the Treasure State.”

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 veterans received the award in 2022, and 39 recipients of the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation will be recognized this year.

As the governor travels the state for his 56 County Tour, he will hold ceremonies for recipients alongside their family, friends, and members of the community. There, he presents recipients with a state flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor, and a letter thanking them for their life of service.

During a ceremony on Tuesday in Columbus, the governor honored U.S. Army veteran, and Mayor of the City of Columbus, Webb Mandeville.

Reading a letter to Mandeville and joining his wife, family, and community members at City Hall, Gov. Gianforte highlighted his service to the Columbus community after his time in the military.

“You have continued to serve the community of Columbus, participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program, the Kiwanis Club, and playing a pivotal role in the Flag Program. Your efforts in building Little League Baseball fields and serving as a volunteer fireman for Columbus are commendable. Even in maintaining overlooked areas in town, you have displayed a servant’s heart for your community,” the governor said.

Continuing the day in Red Lodge, the governor also honored U.S. Army veterans Henry Tuell III and Jason Burr.

Highlighting Tuell’s 28 years of military service during the Vietnam war, Gov. Gianforte recognized the honors he received including the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Soldiers Medal, and the Purple Heart.

And after speaking to Burr’s 15 years of service with the U.S. Army Special Forces, the governor also outlined the veterans’ commitment to their community through their work with Operation Second Chance (OSC).

Founded in 2004 in Maryland, OSC is a non-profit organization that serves wounded, injured, and ill veterans as well as active-duty Purple Heart service members and their families through support, retreats, and other resources. As volunteers for OSC, Tuell and Burr help organize retreats, guided hunting excursions, and fly fishing experiences for combat-wounded veterans and their families.

Closing out the ceremony at the Elks Lodge in downtown Red Lodge, the governor joined members of the community, family members, and colleagues to thank the men for their dedication, adding, “Thank you for your extraordinary life of service. It’s my honor to recognize you with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.”