Gov. Gianforte Increases Support for Montana Veterans

Gov. Gianforte Increases Support for Montana Veterans

Holds ceremony in Red Lodge on 56 County Tour

• October 01 2025

RED LODGE, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today continued his 56 County Tour in Carbon County, meeting with Montanans at the Elks Lodge in Red Lodge to recognize a recipient of his 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation and celebrate a new law that increases support for Montana veterans.

"When I served in Congress, I was proud to start this tradition of recognizing outstanding Montana veterans and, as governor, I've been thrilled to continue this tradition," Gov. Gianforte said. "Today, we honor a veteran you all know well, Representative Brad Barker, as one of 51 veterans we are recognizing with the award this year."

Gov. Gianforte honoring Rep. Barker with the 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation

Each year since taking office, the governor honors exceptional veterans who have not only served our nation in uniform, but who continue to serve their communities here at home. Since the program began, Gov. Gianforte has recognized more than 170 Montana veterans.

In September, the governor's office opens applications for veterans to be nominated by their peers and on Veteran's Day each year, Gov. Gianforte announces recipients that are honored during ceremonies held in their communities in the new year.

At the Elks Lodge today, the governor recognized Rep. Brad Barker, R-Red Lodge, as a veteran nominated for the 2024 award. Nominated by veteran and former commendation recipient Bob Larson, Barker was recognized during a ceremony for his 20 years of service in the U.S. Army. Serving deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Lieutenant Colonel Barker was awarded multiple honors including four Bronze Stars, three Air Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Following the award presentation, the governor held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 307, sponsored by Rep. Barker. The bill establishes a pathway for Montana hunters to donate his or her hunting licenses to disabled veterans or disabled members of the armed forces.

"With the strong leadership of Representative Barker, we passed House Bill 307 this year to continue our support for Montana veterans. Montana is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation, and this bill is one more way we're keeping that commitment," Gov. Gianforte added.

He continued, "For many veterans, the outdoors is more than recreation - it's a place of healing, camaraderie, and tradition. This new law ensures that more of our heroes can share in that experience."

"This bill is focused on boosting an existing program that's been in place for over a decade, where Montanans can donate their tags to wounded veterans so that they can get out an enjoy hunting and all of the experiences that we enjoy to benefit them, improve their lives, and improve their mental condition. Operation Second Chance were instrumental in introducing the original legislation. I'm glad to expand this program," Rep. Barker concluded.

You can view a video recording of the ceremony here.

###