Governor Gianforte Honors Montana Veterans

Ceremonies held in Carbon, Park, Madison, and Gallatin counties

Governor's Office

BELGRADE, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized eleven Montana veterans in Carbon, Park, Madison, and Gallatin counties with the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation for their service to the nation and continued commitment to their fellow veterans and communities.

"Montana's veterans answered the call to serve our country, and for so many, that commitment to service never stopped," Gov. Gianforte said. "Whether supporting fellow veterans, mentoring young Montanans, or simply stepping up when a neighbor needs a hand, these eleven veterans have made a lasting difference in their communities. It's an honor to recognize them."

Gov. Gianforte honoring four veterans with the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation in Belgrade

The Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have honorably served in uniform and continue making meaningful contributions to their communities. Since 2021, the governor has recognized 230 Montana veterans. The veterans recognized this week are among 61 recipients of the 2025 award.

During a ceremony held in Carbon County this week, the governor recognized two veterans in Red Lodge including Joe Griffin and Mark Vomund.

Senior Airman Joseph Griffin was honored for his six years of service in the United States Air Force and his continued commitment to veterans and the Red Lodge community including supporting trips for veterans to experience Montana's outdoors through camping and side by side trips, serving on local boards, and coaching youth soccer.

Master Sergeant Mark Vomund was recognized for more than 26 years of service in the United States Army, including service in the First Gulf War and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Through Operation Second Chance, Vomund has continued serving by supporting trips for combat injured veterans to experience adaptive skiing, fishing, hunting, and long-range shooting.

In Park County, Gov. Gianforte honored three veterans in Livingston including Paul Bradley, LeRoy Mittelstedter, and Calvin Sarver.

Major Paul Bradley was recognized for 22 years of service in the United States Air Force, including service during Vietnam, the Cold War, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. As a B-52 command pilot, test pilot, and instructor pilot, Bradley served with several bomb and flight test squadrons. After retiring, he continued supporting veterans as Quartermaster for VFW Post 2154, through the joint American Legion and VFW Honor Guard, and helping restore the Veterans Memorial in Sacajawea Park.

Specialist LeRoy Mittelstedter was honored for his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and decades of continued service to veterans. Mittelstedter serves as Commander of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 23 and is a member of American Legion Post 23 and VFW Post 2154. Each Memorial Day, he coordinates the placement of more than 1,500 flags at veterans' gravesites and regularly participates in Honor Guard duties and other community service projects.

Specialist Calvin Sarver was recognized for his service in the United States Army from 1962 to 1968 and more than five decades of service to the Wilsall community. Sarver has volunteered with the Wilsall Volunteer Fire District for more than 50 years, including 40 years as fire chief. He also volunteered with the Wilsall Water Users for more than 20 years and spent 42 years working for the Park Farmers Co-Op.

In Madison County, the governor recognized Sergeant Brian Rumsey for his service in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and decades of dedication to veterans and his community. Rumsey has been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1970 and has served in numerous leadership positions with Lewis and Clark VFW Post 3831 and VFW District 4. In Pony, he has helped care for Pony Park, organize improvements to the Pony Gym, secure grants for local schools, preserve the community's history, and support the Pioneer Cemetery Board for Madison County.

The governor concluded the veteran ceremonies in Gallatin County, recognizing five veterans in Belgrade including James Bratsky, Frank Harriman, James Korth, Kenneth McMillon, and George Morales.

First Lieutenant James Bratsky was recognized for his service in the United States Army Signal Corps and his continued commitment to veterans and young Montanans. Bratsky serves with the American Legion Post 30, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788, and helps administer the Stan Milesnick Scholarship Fund, which has awarded $58,000 to Montana State University veterans and military dependents.

Sergeant Frank Harriman was honored for his service in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1989 and his continued service to veterans and Montana students. Harriman serves as Adjutant of American Legion Post 14 and as Director of Building Trades at Gallatin College MSU, supporting students and expanding training opportunities for the next generation of Montanans.

Petty Officer Second Class James Korth was recognized for his service in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and decades spent assisting Montana veterans. Korth has served as a veteran's representative for U.S. Senator Steve Daines, helped lead the installation of the Veterans Columbarium at Sunset Hills Cemetery, and supported the American Legion for 50 years. Today, he serves as American Legion Post 14 Service Officer, helping connect veterans throughout the Gallatin Valley and Montana with assistance and resources.

Petty Officer Third Class Kenneth McMillon was honored for his service in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and years of leadership in veterans' organizations. McMillon has served as American Legion District 7 Commander and Adjutant and has held several leadership roles with American Legion Post 30 in Belgrade. He was also a founding member of the Post 30 American Legion Riders and is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788.

Specialist George Morales was recognized for his service in the United States Army, including combat service in Vietnam as a UH 1 Bell Huey helicopter door gunner. After returning home, Morales continued serving veterans as a leader in the Montana State Vietnam Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788, and American Legion Post 30. He is also a founding member of the Veterans Alliance of Southwest Montana and supported efforts to establish the Southwest Montana Veterans Cemetery at Sunset Hills.

"Every community in Montana has veterans whose service deserves to be recognized," Gov. Gianforte said. "As we honor this year's recipients, I encourage Montanans to help us find the next group of outstanding veterans by nominating someone who continues to serve and strengthen their community."

Recipients of the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation are honored with a Montana state flag flown over the State Capitol and a letter from the governor recognizing their military service and continued commitment to their communities.

Nominations for the 2026 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation are now open and will close Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Recipients will be announced on Veterans Day and honored in ceremonies across the state next year. To learn more about the commendation and nominate a Montana veteran, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov .

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