Gov. Gianforte Honors Montana Veterans on 56 County Tour

• June 09 2022

LIVINGSTON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this week honored five Montana veterans with the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, a unique recognition of Montana veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces and continued their service in their communities.

“Our veterans embody the values and commitment to service that define our state and way of life. They are deeply woven into the fabric of our state and communities, and I have been honored to recognize a few of our outstanding veterans this week,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Gov. Gianforte recognizes 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recipient Edmund “Ed” Gilbert

Holding four ceremonies across Montana in Roundup, Columbus, Red Lodge, and Livingston this week, the governor recognized five Montana veterans for selflessly serving the United States in uniform and making a positive impact in their community after retiring from military service.

The governor presented the commendation to the following five recipients this week:

Daniel Clarence Barta of Roundup – U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

Barta served in the United States Navy off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. A longtime member of VFW Post 4925, Barta has worked relentlessly to keep the post running and recruit new members. Each day, he lives out the creed of neighbors helping neighbors, clearing sidewalks and driveways in the winter, mowing lawns in the summer, and delivering holiday meals to veterans.

Darren Bergsing of Livingston – U.S. Air Force, 1990-2010

After serving two decades in the U.S. Air Force with four overseas deployments, Bergsing served his fellow veterans at VFW Post 2154 and American Legion Post 23. Most notably, Bergsing has helped veterans find housing and buy gas and groceries. He also serves as the American Legion Fatality Cross program manager and Adopt a Highway coordinator.

Rick Braley of Columbus – U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

While in the U.S. Navy, Braley served in Vietnam, before coming home to continue serving and protecting others as a police officer for the Columbus Police Department. In addition to ensuring disabled veterans can stay healthy and get to doctor appointments driving the Disabled American Veterans Van, Braley founded the Stillwater Veterans Honor Guard and organized fundraisers for multiple V.A. Hospitals and Clinics. Braley has also made an impact as VFW Montana District 3 Commander, Commander of Post 4762, Honor Guard Training Officer, and currently, as Service Officer for the post. 

Edmund Gilbert of Clyde Park – U.S. Army, Vietnam War 

Gilbert served the United States proudly in Vietnam as a soldier in the United States Army. As Commander of American Legion Post 23 in Livingston, Gilbert has committed countless hours to serving his community and supporting his fellow veterans. Gilbert regularly organizes fundraisers for local agencies, cooks and distributes meals for local holiday dinners, and collects and distributes gifts for local families in need during the holidays. 

Scott Miller of Bridger – U.S. Army, 1989-2018

Miller served the United States as member of the U.S. Army in Operation Panama Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm, and on multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since retiring from the Army, Miller has mentored young Montanans in Little League and Boys State, and currently serves as the American Legion District Commander, Commander of the Red Lodge VFW, and Carbon County Commissioner.

The governor is recognizing each of the 31 recipients of the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation in person with an award and a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor.

###