Holds ceremonies in Madison, Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Silver Bow counties

Butte, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte this week honored several Montana veterans with the 2023 Veteran Commendation award and held ceremonies in Madison, Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Silver Bow counties to recognize them for their service to the nation and community.

39 recipients of the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation are being honored this year and will receive a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor.

“No one embodies our Montana values and commitment to service better than our veterans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As I travel the state, it’s my honor to recognize outstanding public servants who’ve dedicated their lives to exemplify an extraordinary life of service to country and community.”

Joining over 40 members of Twin Bridges community, the governor honored U.S. Army veteran Douglas Denson Tuesday morning at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street.

In a letter to Denson, Gov. Gianforte thanked him for his sacrifice in defense of our freedoms oversees during the Vietnam War and his commitment to serve Montana students after coming home as a teacher and principal and service to community as the Fire Chief of the Twin Bridges Fire Department.

At the Missoula County Courthouse on Tuesday evening, the governor honored U.S. Marine Corps veteran Richard Reed for his sacrifice and over 30 years of service.

After coming home and continuing his service to community, Reed got involved with volunteering at the Valor House to support homeless veterans and works closely with the Missoula Veteran Treatment Court to guide fellow veterans to treatment programs.

In Anaconda, the governor held a ceremony for U.S. Army veteran Thomas “Major T” Teasdale at the Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial with support from over three dozen members of the community.

Recognizing Teasdale’s over 23 years of service, Gov. Gianforte listed the many awards and medals he earned including the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service medal. Continuing on to touch on his commitment to the Anaconda community at the young age of 85, the governor thanked him for his work in the community to help troubled teens and as a regular visitor to residents of the Anaconda Nursing Home.

Rounding out the day in Butte, the governor recognized U.S. Army Vietnam veterans Melvin Kieninger and Daniel Kohr at the VFW Post 1448.

During a ceremony and joining over a dozen service members and their families, the governor read letters to both men outlining their awards and recognitions from serving in the Army and their tenure of service to the community.

While serving oversees during the Vietnam War, Kieninger earned the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Star and came home to support his fellow veterans through acts of service.

Serving as the commander of the post for over four years, Kohr is a dedicated member of the Butte veteran community and volunteers his time supporting fundraising efforts and widows of service members.

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 and 51 veterans received the award in 2022.

Next week, Gov. Gianforte will begin accepting nominations for the 2024 Veteran Commendation. More information about the award may be found at www.recognizeveterans.mt.gov.