Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans in Glendive, Miles City

• May 19 2025

GLENDIVE, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte last week honored two veterans in eastern Montana with his 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation award.

“Each year since taking office, I’ve had the honor of visiting with veterans in Glendive and Miles City as I recognize the peers they’ve nominated for their life of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Americans, we have a duty to honor our veterans and through our Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation award, we thank Montanans for their service in uniform and in our communities.”

Gov. Gianforte honoring U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg in Glendive

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. 31 veterans received the award in 2021, 51 received in 2022, 39 in 2023, and 50 in 2024.

As the governor travels the state for his 56 County Tour, he will hold 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.

On Thursday in Glendive, the governor honored U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg during a ceremony held at the VFW Post 1125 and joined by fellow veterans, community members, family, and friends of the honoree.

A Glendive native and Vietnam vet, Berg’s military service was marked by distinction, as he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After returning home, Berg founded the first Montana chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America and is a valued member of the veteran community, most notably for his leadership to develop the Dawson County Veterans Memorial Park.

Gov. Gianforte honoring U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ken Koehler in Miles City

While in Miles City on Friday, the governor stopped by the VFW Post 1579 to honor U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ken Koehler.

During his military service, Koehler earned many commendations, such as the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Rifle Expert Badge, and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, among others.

Koehler is known as a staple in the Miles City veteran community, especially for his leadership at the VFW post, helping to raise money for the organization and supporting fellow veterans in times of need. Recognizing Koehler’s acts of service to others, the governor said, “People know they can rely on you during times of need, whether it’s coordinating volunteers for home ramp installations, travel for medical appointments, or making sure a fellow veteran has a warm meal.”

Concluding the ceremonies, the governor read from a letter recognizing the honorees, “Thank you for your extraordinary life of service. It’s my honor to recognize you with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for anything. My door is always open.”

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

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