Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans Across Montana

51 veterans received the 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation

• August 30 2023

HELENA, Mont. – Continuing his third annual 56 County Tour in August, Governor Greg Gianforte honored nearly two dozen recipients of the 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

“Montana’s veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our freedoms and our way of life,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As I travel the state, it’s my honor to recognize those who, even after their time in military service, have kept the flame of service burning by helping others in their community.”

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte with U.S. Navy veteran Joseph Dusatko in Great Falls

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community. Thirty-one veterans received the award in 2021, and 51 veterans received the award in 2022.

As the governor travels the state for his 56 County Tour, he holds ceremonies for recipients alongside their family, friends, and members of the community. There, he presents recipients with a state flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor, and a letter thanking them for their life of service.

In Great Falls, the governor recognized:

U.S. Navy veteran Billy Edward Benton Jr.

U.S. Army veteran Dennis Burns

U.S. Navy veteran Joseph Dusatko

Montana National Guard veteran Candice Griffith

U.S. Army veteran William Patrick O'Donnell

In Red Lodge, the governor recognized U.S. Air Force veteran Bob Larson.

Gov. Gianforte in Red Lodge honoring U.S. Air Force veteran Bob Larson

In Lewistown, the governor recognized:

U.S. Navy veteran Dean Martin

U.S. Army and Army National Guard veteran Robert Dean Miller

U.S. Army veteran Donald Pfau

In Columbus, the governor recognized:

U.S. Army veteran Kristopher Bartley

U.S. Army veteran Kyle Stadel

In Billings, the governor recognized:

U.S. Air Force veteran Dan Hargrove

U.S. Air Force veteran Jerry Hudson

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ralph McKinney

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Alexander Roth

U.S. Navy veteran Joseph Sanders

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte with U.S. Navy veteran Douglas Howard Parrott and his wife Cindy in Roundup

In Livingston, the governor recognized:

U.S. Army veteran Robert Eyman

U.S. Air Force veteran Ken Handl

Finally, in Roundup, the governor recognized U.S. Navy veteran Douglas Howard Parrott.

The governor will open nominations for the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation in September.