Governor Gianforte Honors Western Montana Veterans

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized 12 Montana veterans with the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Lincoln, Ravalli, and Missoula counties.

"Montana's veterans represent the very best of our state," Gov. Gianforte said. "Their service to our nation didn't end when they took off the uniform. These men and women continue serving their neighbors, mentoring the next generation, and strengthening communities across Montana. It's an honor to recognize their extraordinary contributions."

Gov. Gianforte honoring 7 veterans with the 2025 Veterans Commendation Award, Hamilton

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

During a ceremony held in Lincoln County this week, the governor recognized Private Hugh Taylor, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and fifth-generation Montanan, in Libby to award the veteran for his decades of public service to the Libby community, including volunteer firefighting, service on the Libby City Council, and as the city's mayor.

While in Ravalli County, the governor recognized seven veterans in Hamilton whose military service and continued leadership have strengthened the Bitterroot Valley and communities across Montana.

Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Clover was honored for his Vietnam service with the U.S. Navy's Mobile Riverine Forces and his continued commitment to veterans through the American Legion and volunteer transportation services.

Second Lieutenant Jeanne White Doyle, a member of the Greatest Generation, was recognized for serving as an Army Nurse Corps triage nurse caring for wounded service members returning from the Pacific during World War II and for a lifetime of community service.

Command Sergeant Major Gregory Marose Sr. was honored for more than 26 years of service in the U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard and for continuing to serve as a firefighter, EMT, Scout leader, and American Legion leader.

Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Rosenberg was recognized for his distinguished Navy career and more than two decades of leadership supporting veterans through the American Legion, military funeral honors, youth programs, and the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Memorial Garden in Hamilton.

Gunnery Sergeant Sean Smothers was honored for more than 20 years of military service and for helping establish the Bitterroot Valley Military Program, mentoring young Montanans and creating pathways to military leadership opportunities.

First Sergeant Allen Sperry was recognized for his decorated Army career, including two tours in Vietnam, and his leadership in helping develop Hamilton's Veterans Monument and supporting fellow veterans through Vietnam Veterans of America.

Specialist Deborah "Deb" Strickland was honored for her military service, decades of public service, leadership within the American Legion, and continued dedication to veterans, first responders, and communities throughout western Montana.

The governor concluded the veteran ceremonies in Missoula County, recognizing three veterans whose continued service has strengthened opportunities for veterans and families across western Montana.

Sergeant Christopher Lowe, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor recipient, was recognized for supporting fellow veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans' organizations.

Petty Officer Third Class Rebecca Stancil was honored for her leadership in connecting veterans and their families with housing, employment, and supportive services while serving the Missoula community through numerous veterans' initiatives.

Colonel Leonard "Gary" Swartz was recognized for more than 30 years of distinguished Army service and his continued leadership supporting veterans, mentoring ROTC cadets, and investing in young Montanans through marksmanship and community programs.

"These veterans remind us that service is a lifelong commitment," Gov. Gianforte said. "Whether caring for fellow veterans, protecting their communities, mentoring young people, or preserving the freedoms we cherish, each recipient has made Montana a better place. We're grateful for their service and proud to recognize them with our state's highest honor for veterans."

Each recipient received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter from the governor recognizing their military service and continued commitment to their communities.

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