39 recipients of the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to be recognized

HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized two veterans with his 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, continuing his fourth annual 56 County Tour as governor in Meagher and Garfield counties.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans who have served with honor and distinction to protect our freedom and way of life,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We thank them for their unwavering dedication and selfless service to our country and communities. May we all commit to honoring their sacrifice by striving to be better citizens and making our nation a better place for all.”

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 White Sulphur Springs, the governor recognized U.S. Marine Corps veteran Captain Gordon Doig for his service in the Vietnam War.

Highlighting his service to his community after his time in the military, Gov. Gianforte also recognized Doig’s involvement in several local boards, which include the Meagher County Community Senior Citizens Board of Directors and the Meagher County Library Board of Directors.

Spotlighting Doig’s service to his fellow veterans through American Legion Post 25 the governor shared, “As your friend and post commander, William Cummins, puts it best, ‘his service to the community and our country, and caring for other individuals exemplifies what the American Legion stands for.’ And I couldn’t agree more.”

Doig thanked the governor and the many community members present for the ceremony and shared, “I was fortunate to serve in the military when it was a badge of honor and a mark of patriotism, that’s a little bit contrary to what our current thinking is – we have to work hard to defend our country, defend our freedoms and our communities.”

On Wednesday in Jordan, the governor honored U.S. Army veteran Specialist 5th Class Joseph Murnion for his service during the Vietnam War and to his community upon returning home.

Serving on the Garfield County Cemetery Board, Murnion has volunteered his time to locating, restructuring, and maintaining several small cemeteries and has also helped identify four previously unrecognized Civil War veterans.

And, through his 15 years of service as Post Commander of VFW Leonard White Post 7886, Murnion spearheaded a project to build a VFW Hall in Jordan which has become an asset to the community for weddings, funerals, parties, banquets, and more.

More information about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, including how to nominate a Montana veteran, may be found at  recognizeveterans.mt.gov.