Governor Greg Gianforte honored seven distinguished Montana veterans this week with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, recognizing their military service and continued contributions to their communities. The ceremonies took place across Garfield, Musselshell, Fergus, and Meagher counties, with a special tribute to a 104-year-old World War II veteran.
“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,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These veterans embody our Montana values of duty, selflessness, and service, and I’m proud to recognize them with this award.”
The Governor’s Veteran Commendation, created to recognize both military service and civic impact, has been awarded to more than 170 Montanans since 2021.
Final Ceremony in White Sulphur Springs
The final stop in the governor’s four-county tour was White Sulphur Springs, where he presented the award to Corporal Edwin Celander, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War. After his military service, Celander spent decades as a volunteer firefighter, helped establish senior housing, and worked with the American Legion’s White Cross program to place and maintain fatality markers on area roadways.
Honors in Jordan and Roundup
On Tuesday in Jordan, the governor recognized Captain Michael Downs, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the Montana Army National Guard. Downs, a Master Army Aviator and Chief Warrant Officer Four, provided critical aerial support during wildfires and public safety missions. His public service continued after military retirement as a Montana Highway Patrol officer, EMT, city council member, and Hunter Education Instructor.
Later in Roundup, Gov. Gianforte honored Specialist Larry Ross, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who earned the Bronze Star and Vietnam Service Medal. Ross continues to serve his community through his leadership on the RIDE board and as the driving force behind the popular “Roundup Flags on Mainstreet” project, which celebrates patriotism each summer and fall.
During the Roundup ceremony, Gianforte also presented the Spirit of Montana Award to Vernon Kuhlmann, a 104-year-old World War II veteran. In a heartfelt tribute, the governor read from a letter highlighting Kuhlmann’s early life on a Kansas farm during the Great Depression and his wartime service alongside three of his brothers.
“At 104 years young, your story is one of courage, perseverance, and leadership,” Gianforte said. “You represent the very best of the Greatest Generation.”
Lewistown Ceremony Recognizes Three More
In Lewistown on Wednesday, three veterans were recognized for their enduring service:
- First Class Sandra Youngbauer, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran of Operation Desert Storm, was commended for her leadership in the American Legion and VFW, her role as Post 16 Commander, and her public service as a Fergus County Commissioner.
- Sergeant Robert Curry, a Montana Army National Guard veteran and recipient of the Air Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal, was honored for his continued mentorship of youth through 4-H, the Junior Rifle Program, and coaching, as well as his leadership in his church and broader community.
- Petty Officer Third Class Robert Jacobi, a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran, was recognized for his 21-year career with the Montana Highway Patrol and his dedication to Judith Basin County, including his service as county sheriff and long-time member of the American Legion.
Each recipient received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol and a personalized letter from the governor.
“These Montanans represent 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.”