Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans at Memorial in Great Falls
For many veterans in Montana, their service didn't stop when the uniform came off after retirement. Instead of service to their country, veterans are turning to service to their hometown city of Great Falls.
We have an incredible memorial to those service members; the Veterans Memorial overlooking the falls of Black Eagle and the Missouri River. That place of honor was the recent location for a ceremony to honor those that continue to give back to their communities.
Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans at Memorial in Great Falls
Each year Montana Governor Greg Gianforte bestows the Veterans Award across the state to individuals that "not only served our nation in uniform, but who continue to serve their communities here at home." Since the inception of the award, the Governor has recognized 230 veterans "whose leadership, service, and sacrifice exemplify the very best of our state."
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Gov. Gianforte was in Great Falls on August 19, 2026, to present awards to several members of the community at a ceremony at the memorial. Veterans honored during the event received the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation certificate and a Montana state flag that had been flown at the State Capitol in Helena.
Award recipients in Great Falls for the 2025 Governor's Veterans Award include:
- Bernard Cooper of Great Falls - U.S. Navy, 1957 - 1962
- David Driver of Great Falls - U.S. Air Force, 1964 - 1968, 1971 - 1988
- Ernesto Galvez of Great Falls - U.S. Air Force, 1983 - 2008
- Herb Gilmour of Great Falls - U.S. Marine Corps, 1956 - 1960
- Russell Jacques of Great Falls - U.S. Air Force, 1965 - 2000
- William Rogers of Great Falls - U.S. Marine Corps, 1956 - 1963
- Terry Tobiness of Great Falls - U.S. Army, 1980 - 1992
- Neil White of Great Falls - U.S. Army, 1987 - 2010
Nominations Open Soon for the Next Veterans Award in Montana
Nominations for the 2026 Veterans Award will open on Monday, September 8, 2026, and close on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM MST. Winners will be announced on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
To be nominated, a veteran must be a current resident of Montana; served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. armed services and demonstrated service to his or her community. You can learn more about the award here.
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