Four Yellowstone County Veterans Receive Governor’s Commendation

BILLINGS — Four Yellowstone County veterans were honored this week with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, recognizing their military service and continued community contributions across eastern Montana.

Governor Greg Gianforte presented the awards during a ceremony at the V.F.W. Post in Billings to Sergeant Donald Jones of Laurel, Specialist Mike Fuss of Billings, First Sergeant Mike McManus of Billings, and Specialist Clifford Holmes of Ballantine.

“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,” Gianforte said during the ceremony.

Each recipient received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter recognizing their service.

Distinguished Service Records

Donald 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.

Mike 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 serving in law enforcement across multiple agencies. In retirement, Fuss leads V.F.W. Post 6774 and works with Veterans Navigation Network, where he supports fellow veterans, including those preparing to return to civilian life after incarceration.

Mike McManus completed a 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.

Clifford Holmes served 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.

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

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