Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary To Support Veterans

• December 13 2023

BILLINGS, Mont. – Marking the final day of his third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to Dog Tag Buddies, a nonprofit which helps veterans by pairing them with a service dog.

“Montana is proudly home to one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the nation. Heroes who made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our freedoms,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Dog Tag Buddies comes alongside our service men and women when they return home, partnering them a K-9 companion and best friend. DeeDe and her team are doing incredibly important, rewarding work, and I’m honored to support them in their mission to serve Montana veterans.”

Gov. Gianforte donating a portion of his salary to Dog Tag Buddies in Billings

Launched in 2015, Dog Tag Buddies provides veterans who experience hidden injuries, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), no-cost services in the adoption and training of rescue dogs to become companion or service animals.

DeeDe Baker founded the nonprofit after seeing firsthand how dogs helped her husband, a veteran of the Montana National Guard, manage the challenges of living with PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury.

With seven locations across Montana, Dog Tag Buddies has served over 110 veterans, rescued over 70 dogs, and provided over 2,000 hours of training at no cost to veterans.

“Here at Dog Tag Buddies, we give veterans a second chance at a new life,” said DeeDe Baker, CEO of Dog Tag Buddies. “The service dog is the end goal, but there is a journey to that – helping them build new tools and new resiliency as they learn to navigate life with a dog by their side.”

During the visit, the governor heard from veterans on the impact a service dog has had on their life. Holly, a combat veteran and recent graduate of Dog Tag Buddies, shared, “One of the biggest things I’ve learned about is that, though I am currently struggling with PTSD and its impact on me, I can live in victory. And my service dog helps me tackle that every day.”

Dog Tag Buddies relies on the generosity of Montanans to offer its services at no cost to veterans. The nonprofit’s main needs are for volunteers to help with events, data entry, and trainings. Montanans interested in volunteering can learn more here, and donating can visit here.

During this season of giving, Dog Tag Buddies has a wish list for Montanans interested in helping supply veterans with everything they need for training.

Ending today, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving campaign highlighted the work of a dozen nonprofit organizations serving Montanans.

On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Kalispell.

On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the third annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hi-Line Home Programs in Sidney.

On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Eagle Mount as it empowers Montanans living with disabilities through outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.

On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to The LifeGuard Group in Missoula.

On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana service members, veterans, first responders, and their families through Impact Montana.

On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for One Heart Warriors as the nonprofit serves our tribal communities.

On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for farmers and ranchers living with a disability or illness through the Cutting Fences Foundation.

On the 11th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Promise686 as it serves children in Montana’s foster care system.

On the 12th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Dog Tag Buddies in Billings.

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