Daines Honors Montana National Guard Families at Fort Harrison

• February 7, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today attended the Montana National Guard's Adjutant General Appreciation Dinner at Fort Harrison. At the dinner, he honored the Montana Army National Guard Aviation Crews and the Montana National Guard Family & Military Readiness Group as "Montanans of the Month" and presented them with signed copies of congressional resolutions honoring their service. Read the resolutions that were presented HERE and HERE.

Read Daines' remarks as prepared for delivery below.

Thank you, Major Begger. Brigadier General Gibson, and Command Sergeant Major Deboo for the opportunity to recognize some incredible heroes of the Montana National Guard.

Distinguished guests, men and women of the MT National Guard and their loved ones here tonight, we heard just a few of the many, many stories of Guard heroism that take place on a regular basis.

Most of you in this room are very familiar with the Seven Core Principles of the Army Values. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. I think the Soldiers we just had on stage knocked it out of the park! They are the epitome of each of those core principles.

I am so very proud of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Montana National Guard. Whether they are risking life and limb, in harsh environments and unforgiving weather to save a random stranger, or defending our freedoms half a world away, they give their all to keep us safe.

As people get older, or think about retirement, they often wonder if they made a difference. I can tell you, the people in this room, the people currently serving in the United States military, and our veterans will never have to wonder. You have made a difference, and we are incredibly grateful and proud of each and every one of you. Thank you!

When you join the military, you gain another family. The brothers and sisters you serve with will have your back to the end, but as you know, they are not the only family you have watching your back. Our loved ones at home sacrifice just as much. Military spouses take on incredible tasks while you are away, managing the household, caring for our children. Their duties are doubled throughout long deployments.

Tonight, as we recognize these two groups - the Montana Military & Family Readiness Program and the Montana Army National Guard aviation crews - let us not forget that there are many heroes behind the scenes who never get recognized for their sacrifice and bravery.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank those who serve in the Montana National Guard Military and Family Readiness Program. When families are strong, so is our nation and so is our military. Your jobs are vital to ensuring the safety and security of our state and nation.

I'd also like to thank all the military spouses here tonight for the sacrifices they have made for our Soldiers and Airmen. The hardships you endure throughout a military career are incredibly difficult. You are your own special team, a unit.

And to the brave members of the Montana Army National Guard Aviation Crews: thank you. Montana search and rescue presents its own unique challenges. Your bravery and heroism make us all very proud.

My sweet wife, Cindy and I have been married for 39 years. Four kids and seven grandkids. My duties as Senator, and the Foreign Relations Committee have me traveling the globe quite a bit, but my trips are only for a few days. When you go overseas, you go for months, sometimes a year!

Service members often tell me their spouses had it worse than they did during deployment. Can we have the military spouses in the room please stand up and let's show them our deep appreciation! Without you and your unwavering support, we wouldn't have the greatest military in the world!

Thank you again for allowing me to share this wonderful evening with you! God Bless you all! God Bless our troops, their families and Montana. May God continue to Bless the United States of America.

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