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Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced the recipients of the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, a unique recognition of Montana veterans who served our country and continued their service in their communities.

“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms and our way of life. I’m honored to recognize 31 outstanding Montana veterans who served their country and continued the commitment to service in our communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “On behalf of all Montanans, thank you for your selfless service to our country and our communities across Montana.”

Gov. Gianforte launched the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation program in November 2021. The award recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.

In November, Gov. Gianforte asked Montanans to help him identify nominees for the award. The deadline for nominations closed December 31, 2021. Nominations for the 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation will be open later in 2022.

The governor will honor the 31 recipients of the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation with an award and a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor.

The full list of the recipients of the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation follows:

John A. Alstad of Sunburst – U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War

Daniel Clarence Barta of Roundup – U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

Darren Bergsing of Livingston – U.S. Air Force, 1990-2010

Kenneth Bogner of Miles City – U.S. Marine Corps, 2005-2013

Rick Braley of Columbus – U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

Lynn M. Clendenen Jr. of Miles City – U.S. Army, Vietnam War

Francis Dahl of Billings – U.S. Army, Korean War

Matt Egloff of Butte – U.S. Army, 1965-1987

Chris Enget of Billings – U.S. Army, 2005-2017

Blake Fuhriman of Billings – U.S. Army, 2009-2013

David Ardell Gauslow of Laurel – U.S. Army, Vietnam War

Edmund Gilbert of Clyde Park – U.S. Army, Vietnam War

Roger Hancock of Lolo – U.S. Navy, 1972-1993

Anton Johnson of Missoula – U.S. Army, 2001-2009

Scot Kerns of Great Falls – U.S. Air Force, 2005-2020

Roy Lee Kidder of Kalispell – U.S. Marine Corps, 1954-1960

James Long of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War

Scott Miller of Bridger – U.S. Army, 1989-2018

Corry Mordeaux of Huntley – U.S. Army, 1955-1982

Timothy C. Peters of Helena – U.S. Air Force, 1981-2001

Thomas Price of Eureka – U.S. Navy, World War II

Dennis Lee Radish of Eureka – U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

David Jon Reisenauer of Butte – U.S. Navy, 1973-1979

Sidney B. “Tom” Reynolds, Jr. of Miles City – U.S. Air Force, 1961-1965; U.S. Army, 1965-1993

Timothy Richards of Missoula – U.S. Army, 1981-1996

Ronald "Rondo" Scharfe of Missoula – U.S. Navy, World War II

Cory Sena of Helena – U.S. Army, 1993-2016, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Ruth E. Smith of Missoula – U.S. Army, 1977-1981

Mark Dale Teeters of Miles City – U.S. Army, 1995-2009

Gary Thompson of Kalispell – U.S. Navy, 1967-1971; Montana National Guard, 1978-1986; U.S. Army, 1986-2002

Jay Wood of Deer Lodge – U.S. Coast Guard, 1981-1995; Montana Air National Guard, 2010-2020

More details about the program may be found at governor.mt.gov/RecognizeVeterans.