Declares May Military Appreciation Month in Montana

HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on May 13th, announced the return of Montana National Guard (MTNG) soldiers from their deployment to the southern border to support the state of Texas through Operation Lone Star.

“I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of our soldiers who stepped up to the plate to answer the call for assistance to address the national security crisis that is our open southern border,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With the support of Republican governors, Texas’ efforts have led to a decline in illegal crossings. Action from the Biden administration is long overdue.”

Welcoming the troops home over breakfast at Shellie’s Country Café in Helena, the governor heard from them about their mission to provide vehicle maintenance and repair.

“I am extremely proud of the work these volunteer Soldiers accomplished in Texas,” said Major General J. Peter Hronek, the Adjutant General for Montana. “Being part of the National Guard means sacrifices, including time away from home, your full-time jobs, and your family. Thank you for always answering the call and stepping forward to represent us on this important mission.”

The team of ten volunteers, deployed on April 8, were sent in response to a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support the state of Texas’ efforts to secure the southern border.

The soldiers on State Active Duty were identified following the governor’s directive to MTNG leadership to identify ways in which Montana could support Texas’s border mission through Operation Lone Star.

Since the launch of the operation, over 500,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended and nearly 43,000 criminal arrests have been made with enough fentanyl seized to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, more than 3 million fentanyl pills were seized in 2023, a 78 percent year-over-year increase, in the region that includes Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming.

Concluding the breakfast, the governor signed a proclamation declaring May Military Appreciation Month in Montana.

“Members of the United States military put their lives on the line to protect and defend the and the freedoms we hold dear for generations as Montanans and Americans. We owe our servicemen and women an enormous debt, it’s an honor to recognize them this month and every month,” Gov. Gianforte added.

View the proclamation here.