Governor Gianforte Honors Townsend Veterans

Seeks Nominations for 2023 Commendation by October 21

• October 16 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this month recognized U.S Air Force veteran Jamie Buck and U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard veteran Larry Westfall with his 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

The governor is currently seeking nominations for his 2023 commendation by October 21.

"Our peer-nominated Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans like Jamie and Larry who have selflessly served our nation and made a positive impact in their community,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s been an honor to travel our state this year to honor their lives of service and say thank you.”

Gov. Gianforte honors Master Sergeant Jamie Buck with the 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation

Honoring Master Sergeant Jamie Buck and State Command Sergeant Major Larry Westfall in a ceremony at Townsend’s Veterans Memorial, the governor presented both recipients with a Montana State Flag flown over the Montana State Capitol and a letter thanking them for their lives of service.

Master Sergeant Jamie Buck served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He now serves as a senior deputy for Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office.

State Command Sergeant Major Larry Westfall served in the U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard for 38 years. Westfall currently services as chaplain for American Legion Post 42 in Townsend.

The deadline for nominating a Montana veteran for the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation is Saturday, October 21. Recipients of the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation will be announced by Veterans Day and honored in the new year.

More information about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, including how to nominate a Montana veteran, may be found at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.