Governor recognized two veterans with Montana’s top commendation and addressed the state VFW’s annual convention
Gov. Greg Gianforte recently continued his 56 County Tour and honored veterans in Yellowstone and Custer counties as part of his annual effort to visit every county in Montana.
“As I travel the state for my 56 County Tour, I have the honor of recognizing a few of our many Montana veterans who served our country and came home to continue their service to our communities,” Gianforte said. “It’s the privilege of every American to thank veterans and their families for the sacrifice, especially in this year of the 250th anniversary of our great country.”
During a stop in Yellowstone County, Gianforte recognized two veterans with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation at a ceremony held at the American Legion in Billings.
The governor honored Master Sergeant Susan Davidson for her 30 years of service across the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Army, as well as her continued work with the American Legion, Montana Honor Flight and other veteran support organizations statewide.
Gianforte also recognized Corporal Owen Wood, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other honors. Since his service, Wood has mentored young people, served as a foster parent and volunteered with his church.
“The strength of Montana comes from people who put service before self,” Gianforte said. “Susan and Owen have dedicated their lives to helping others, both during their military careers and after returning home. Their commitment to serving their fellow veterans, neighbors, and communities reflects the very best of Montana.”
The governor then traveled to Custer County, where he addressed attendees at the Montana State VFW’s 104th Annual Convention in Miles City.
“Since entering public service, I’ve visited every corner of Montana, and no matter where I go, veterans are among the first people I meet — they’re volunteering at the food bank, helping organize community events, mentoring young people, or looking out for a fellow veteran who needs a hand,” Gianforte told the gathering.
He added that the spirit of service among Montana’s veterans is part of what makes the state, in his words, the greatest in the country, and credited organizations like the VFW with serving as gathering places and sources of support for veterans and their communities.
Veterans have been a recurring focus of Gianforte’s annual county tour. Since taking office, he has recognized more than 170 Montana veterans with the Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Montana data has one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation, with nearly one in 13 residents having served in uniform.