Governor Gianforte Honors Four Yellowstone County Veterans

• August 15 2025

BILLINGS, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four veterans from Yellowstone County with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during a ceremony in Billings.

“As Americans, we have a duty to honor our veterans, not just for their service in uniform, but for the way they continue to serve their communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These veterans embody our Montana values of duty, selflessness, and service, and I’m proud to recognize them with this award.”

Gov. and First Lady Gianforte honoring four veterans in Billings

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made positive impacts in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor.

During a ceremony held at the V.F.W. Post, the governor honored Sergeant Donald Jones of Laurel, Specialist Mike Fuss of Billings, First Sergeant Mike McManus of Billings, and Specialist Clifford Holmes of Ballantine.

Each recipient received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter from the governor recognizing their service. The governor shared a piece of each veterans’ history of military and community service before presenting each with a flag.

First up was Sergeant Donald Jones. Jones served nearly 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, including deployments during Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield. After retiring from the military, he remained active in the American Legion, mentoring high school students through Boys State, and helping lead major restoration efforts at the Legion following a 2011 flood.

Next, the governor honored Specialist Mike Fuss. Fuss served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm, earning the Bronze Star and several other commendations. After his military service, he continued to serve in law enforcement across multiple agencies. In retirement, Fuss continues to give back through his leadership at V.F.W. Post 6774 and his work with Veterans Navigation Network, where he supports fellow veterans, including those preparing to return to civilian life after incarceration.

Honoring First Sergeant Mike McManus, the governor shared of McManus’ 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, deploying in support of Operations Allied Force, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. After returning home to Montana, McManus has worked with Veterans Navigation Network, the Governor’s Challenge to end veteran suicide, and other nonprofit organizations to build networks of support and care for veterans across eastern Montana.

Ending with Specialist Clifford Holmes, the governor recognized his service as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army, operating heavy construction equipment in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. In Huntley Project, Holmes has served his community for more than five decades, participating in veteran events, volunteering through his church, maintaining the community parkway, and supporting local schools and cemetery boards.

“Each of these Montanans represents the very best of our state,” the governor said. “I thank them for their life of service and for the difference they continue to make in the lives of others.”

To learn more about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.