Governor Gianforte Honors Seven Central Montana Veterans

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte last week recognized seven outstanding Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies in Garfield, Musselshell, Fergus, and Meagher counties.

“As Americans, we have a duty to honor our veterans – not just for their service in uniform, but for the way they continue to serve their communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These veterans embody our Montana values of duty, selflessness, and service, and I’m proud to recognize them with this award.”

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

On Tuesday in Jordan, the governor honored U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard veteran Captain Michael Downs during a ceremony attended by local leaders, family, and friends. Downs, a Master Army Aviator and Chief Warrant Officer Four, provided critical support during firefighting and public safety missions. After his service, he continued to give back as a Montana Highway Patrol officer, EMT, city council member, and Hunter Education Instructor.

Later that day in Roundup, the governor recognized U.S. Army veteran Specialist Larry Ross for his distinguished service in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star and Vietnam Service Medal. Ross has continued his legacy of service through leadership on the RIDE board and by spearheading the “Roundup Flags on Mainstreet” project, which brings patriotic pride to the community every summer and fall.

As a special addition, Gov. Gianforte also presented his Spirit of Montana award to World War II veteran Vernon Kuhlmann.

“At 104 years young, your story is one of courage, perseverance, and leadership. Born the ninth of ten children on a Kansas farm in 1921, you grew up during the Great Depression, shouldering responsibility early to support your widowed mother and keep the farm running. And, when our nation called in 1942, you answered – one of four brothers to serve in World War II at the same time,” the governor read from a letter during the ceremony in Roundup.

On Wednesday in Lewistown, the governor honored three veterans.

First Class Sandra Youngbauer, U.S. Army Reserve veteran of Operation Desert Storm, was commended for her active involvement in the American Legion and VFW, her leadership as Post 16 Commander, and her public service as a Fergus County Commissioner.

Sergeant Robert Curry, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and recipient of multiple commendations including the Air Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal, was celebrated for his continued commitment to youth through coaching, the Junior Rifle Program, and 4-H, as well as his leadership in his church and community.

Petty Officer Third Class Robert Jacobi, a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran, was recognized for his 21 years with the Montana Highway Patrol and his ongoing service to Judith Basin County, including his time as sheriff and long-time involvement in the American Legion.

The final ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon in White Sulphur Springs, where the governor honored Corporal Edwin Celander, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War. After his military service, Celander spent decades as a volunteer firefighter, helped establish senior housing, and placed and maintained fatality markers on area roadways as part of the American Legion’s White Cross program.

“Each of these Montanans represents the very best of our state,” the governor said at the ceremonies. “I thank them for their life of service and for the difference they continue to make in the lives of others.”

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.