Governor Seeks Nominations for 2025 Veteran Commendation

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte is seeking nominations for the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, with applications due by October 20 to recognize veterans who continue serving their communities beyond military duty.

“Montana’s veterans represent the very best of our state,” Gianforte said in announcing the nomination period Monday. “Their courage, service, and lasting impact on our communities deserve our recognition and our gratitude. I encourage Montanans to nominate a veteran who continues to make a difference in their community.”

The commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who served honorably in the military and continue making meaningful contributions to their communities. Since the program began when Gianforte took office in 2021, more than 170 Montana veterans have received the honor.

Recipients will be announced on Veterans Day, with honor ceremonies planned across the state in 2026.

Recent Honorees Set Standard

The program has recognized veterans with diverse service records and community contributions. In August, four Yellowstone County veterans received the 2024 commendation during a ceremony in Billings.

Those recipients included Sergeant Donald Jones of Laurel, who served nearly 25 years in the Air Force and later led American Legion restoration efforts following a 2011 flood, and Specialist Mike Fuss of Billings, a Bronze Star recipient who now leads V.F.W. Post 6774 and works with Veterans Navigation Network supporting fellow veterans.

First Sergeant Mike McManus completed 20 years in the Air Force and has worked with the Governor’s Challenge to end veteran suicide, while Specialist Clifford Holmes served as a combat engineer in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam before spending five decades volunteering in Huntley Project schools and community organizations.

“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 August ceremony.

Nomination Process

The nomination deadline is Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Each recipient receives a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter recognizing their service.

The program seeks veterans who have made positive impacts in their communities through volunteer work, mentorship, nonprofit leadership, or other service beyond their military careers.

Information about the commendation and nomination process is available at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.

“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.”