Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four distinguished Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Ravalli, Flathead, and Missoula counties. The award honors veterans who not only served with distinction in uniform but who also continue to make a lasting impact in their communities.
“Montana’s veterans lead by example. Their service to our country did not end when they took off the uniform—they continue to give back in meaningful ways,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The veterans we honor have strengthened their communities and made Montana a better place. I am proud to stand alongside their friends and neighbors to recognize them.”
Since the commendation was established in 2021, more than 170 Montana veterans have received the honor.
In Kalispell on Wednesday, the governor presented the award to Specialist Terri Klepper-Speasl, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Wyoming National Guard. One of the last members of the Women’s Army Corps, Klepper-Speasl served at a pivotal time in military history and earned numerous distinctions, including expert and marksman badges, three letters of appreciation, and placement on the Commandant’s List at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. After her military service, she served over two decades as a police officer in Phoenix, earning life-saving medals, the Medal of Merit, and the Distinguished Service Award.
Also honored in Kalispell was Sergeant Luke Opp, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who received the Navy Marine Corps Commendation for his leadership. In 2023, Opp founded The Frozen Chosen, a community organization in Bigfork that brings together veterans and civilians through team-building events. His work has helped raise thousands of dollars to support veterans and families in need.
On Tuesday in Hamilton, Colonel Nancy Dezell, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was honored for her nearly 30 years of service, which earned her the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Since retiring, Dezell has continued to serve her community through the American Legion, the Red Cross, hospice care, and fundraising efforts focused on women veterans and mothers in need.
The final ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon in Missoula, where Officer Ron Milam, a U.S. Navy veteran, was recognized for his service during the Vietnam War with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven. Milam earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. For nearly five decades, he has remained active as a veteran advocate, cemetery volunteer, historian, search and rescue diver, reserve deputy sheriff, and designer of the Ravalli County Veterans Memorial.
“These veterans remind us what true service looks like,” Gov. Gianforte said. “They inspire us to live with purpose, to lift up our neighbors, and to make a difference wherever we are.”
Each recipient received a Montana state flag that had been flown over the State Capitol, along with a personal letter from the governor recognizing their service and commitment to community.
By: Big Sky Headlines staff