Ten Southwest Montana Veterans Receive 2024 Governor’s Commendation

BUTTE — Governor Greg Gianforte recognized ten Southwest Montana veterans last week with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies in Dillon and Butte, honoring their military service and continued community leadership.

“Montana is stronger because of the selflessness and leadership of our veterans,” Gianforte said. “These men and women answered the call to serve our nation, and they continue to serve their neighbors, towns, and state. It’s a privilege to honor them with this recognition.”

The ceremonies highlighted the diverse service backgrounds of veterans from Beaverhead and Silver Bow counties, spanning conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dillon Recipients

In Dillon on Monday, the governor honored two veterans for their decades of community service following military duty.

Chief Warrant Officer Dale McKnight, a U.S. Army veteran, was commended for his decorated service in Vietnam, where he earned the Purple Heart and numerous commendations. McKnight has continued serving through decades of leadership in the VFW and American Legion, firefighting, and volunteer service in his community.

First Lieutenant Sharon Andersen, a U.S. Army Nursing Corps veteran, was recognized for her dedicated military service and for continuing to care for others as a registered nurse, Honor Guard member, and volunteer with the American Legion and community programs in Dillon.

Butte Recipients

On Tuesday in Butte, eight veterans received the commendation for their military service and ongoing community contributions:

Lieutenant Commander Eileen Greb (U.S. Navy Reserve) was honored for her service as a nurse and ongoing volunteer work supporting veterans, Toys for Tots, and the Southwest Montana Veterans Home.

Corporal David King (U.S. Marine Corps) was commended for his decorated service, including the Bronze Star, and continued dedication to veterans through Toys for Tots and leadership in the Marine Corps League.

Sergeant Michael Taapken (U.S. Marine Corps) was recognized for bringing The Wall That Heals to Butte, leading the Marine Corps League, and volunteering in support of local veterans.

Sergeant Jack Favero, a Vietnam-era veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, was honored for over 20 years of military service and ongoing contributions with the VFW and United Veterans Club Honor Guard.

Colonel Cynthia Cohan (U.S. Air Force) was celebrated for her decorated service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, and continued volunteer work with the VFW and The Wall That Heals.

Colonel Dale Haulman (U.S. Air Force) was recognized for his Cold War-era service and decades of leadership supporting student and disabled veterans, organizing resource fairs, and serving in the American Legion and VFW.

Airman Michael Samples (U.S. Air Force) was honored for his Vietnam service, including the Bronze Star, and leadership in the VFW, United Veterans Council, and scholarship programs for Montana students.

Sergeant Michael Lawson (U.S. Marine Corps) was commended for two tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and Purple Heart, and longtime leadership in the Marine Corps League, American Legion, and Veterans Court.

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

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

As previously reported, nominations are open for the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation until October 20. Recipients will be announced on Veterans Day and honored in ceremonies across the state in 2026.