Governor Gianforte Honors Four Western Montana Veterans

HAMILTON, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four outstanding Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held with community members in Ravalli, Flathead, and Missoula counties.

“Montana’s veterans lead by example. Their service to our country did not end when they took off the uniform, they continue to give back in meaningful ways,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The veterans we honor have strengthened their communities and made Montana a better place. I am proud to stand alongside their friends and neighbors to recognize them.”

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who served with distinction in uniform and who continue to have a lasting impact in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 Montana veterans have received this honor.

On Tuesday in Hamilton, the governor honored U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Nancy Dezell in front of a packed community room at the American Legion. Dezell served in uniform for nearly 30 years, earning the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. After her military career, Dezell continued her service through her church, the American Legion, the Red Cross, hospice support, and by leading community fundraisers for women veterans and mothers in need.

On Wednesday in Kalispell, the governor recognized U.S. Army and Wyoming National Guard veteran Specialist Terri Klepper-Speasl. For her service, Klepper-Speasl earned expert and marksman awards, three letters of appreciation, and was named to the Commandant’s List at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. As one of the last members of the Women’s Army Corps, she served at a pivotal moment in history. After her military service, she worked for more than 20 years as a police officer in Phoenix, earning life-saving medals, the Medal of Merit, the Distinguished Service Award, and multiple commendations from her community.

The governor also honored U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Luke Opp in Kalispell. For his leadership in the military, Opp earned the Navy Marine Corps Commendation. In 2023, he founded The Frozen Chosen, a community-based organization in Bigfork that connects veterans and Montanans through team-building events. Opp’s leadership has helped raise thousands to support veterans and families in need.

The final ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon in Missoula, where the governor recognized U.S. Navy veteran Officer Ron Milam.

Milam served with the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven during the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. For nearly 50 years, Milam has served his community as a veteran advocate, cemetery volunteer, historian, search and rescue diver, reserve deputy sheriff, and designer of the Ravalli County Veterans Memorial.

“These veterans remind us what true service looks like,” Gov. Gianforte said at the ceremonies. “They inspire us to live with purpose, to lift up our neighbors, and to make a difference wherever we are.”

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

To learn more about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.