Governor Gianforte Honors Roosevelt County Veteran

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized Peter Olson of Culbertson with the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation for his distinguished military service and longstanding commitment to his community.

"Peter Olson answered the call to serve our nation and continued that service long after his time in uniform," Gov. Gianforte said. "From his decades of leadership in the military to his volunteerism in Culbertson, Pete represents the very best of Montana. His dedication to his fellow veterans and his community is an example for us all."

Gov. Gianforte honoring Peter Olson with the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation during a ceremony in Culbertson

The Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made meaningful contributions to their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor.

During a ceremony held at the American Legion Park, the governor presented Olson with a state flag flown over the Capitol in his honor and a letter recognizing his service.

In the letter, Gov. Gianforte shared that Olson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964 and served aboard the USS Gridley, including two tours in Vietnam. Over the course of a distinguished military career spanning four decades, he served in the U.S. Navy, Navy Reserve, and National Guard across multiple states, ultimately achieving the rank of Master Chief Constructionman.

His service included leadership roles with Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, engineer combat battalions, and construction units across the United States and overseas. Olson also served as Far East Operations Chief for the Officer in Charge of Construction-Pacific and later as Operations Chief for the Third Naval Construction Brigade and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eighteen. He retired in July 2004 with the First Naval Construction Division.

His military honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his military career, Olson continued his commitment to service through extensive community involvement. A life member of multiple veterans' organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, he has held numerous leadership roles supporting fellow veterans.

In Culbertson, Olson has contributed more than 8,000 volunteer hours to the development of the 40-acre American Legion Park, helping to ensure the park could be preserved and expanded for community use.

To learn more about the commendation visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov .

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