MONTANA — More than 170 Montana veterans have received the Governor's Veteran Commendation since 2021. This week, 12 more were honored for their lasting impact on communities across western Montana.
Governor Gianforte started in Libby, where he recognized Private Hugh Taylor, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and fifth-generation Montanan. Taylor was honored for decades of public service that included volunteer firefighting, work on the Libby City Council and service as mayor.
In Hamilton, Gianforte recognized seven veterans for military service and community leadership in the Bitterroot Valley. Those honored were Patrick Clover, Jeanne White Doyle, Gregory Marose Sr., Paul Rosenberg, Sean Smothers, Allen Sperry and Deborah “Deb” Strickland.
Missoula County marked the final stop, where three veterans were recognized for work supporting veterans and families in western Montana. They were Christopher Lowe, Rebecca Stancil and Leonard “Gary” Swartz.
“Montana’s veterans represent the very best of our state,” Gianforte said. “Their service to our nation didn’t end when they took off the uniform. These men and women continue serving their neighbors, mentoring the next generation and strengthening communities across Montana. It’s an honor to recognize their extraordinary contributions.”
The governor also pointed to the broader impact each recipient had in their community.
“These veterans remind us that service is a lifelong commitment,” Gianforte said. “Whether caring for fellow veterans, protecting their communities, mentoring young people or preserving the freedoms we cherish, each recipient has made Montana a better place. We’re grateful for their service and proud to recognize them with our state’s highest honor for veterans.”
Each veteran also received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol and a letter from the governor recognizing their service and community work.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
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Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.