As part of his ongoing 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte made stops in eastern Montana this week to recognize two veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring their military service and continued contributions to their communities.
On Thursday in Glendive, Gov. Gianforte presented the award to U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg during a ceremony at VFW Post 1125. A native of Glendive and Vietnam War veteran, Berg was commended not only for his decorated military career — which included the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal — but also for his work after returning home. Berg founded Montana’s first chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America and played a pivotal role in developing the Dawson County Veterans Memorial Park.
“Each year since taking office, I’ve had the honor of visiting with veterans in Glendive and Miles City as I recognize the peers they’ve nominated for their life of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Americans, we have a duty to honor our veterans, and through our Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation award, we thank Montanans for their service in uniform and in our communities.”
The following day in Miles City, the governor visited VFW Post 1579 to honor U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ken Koehler. Recognized for his service during the Gulf War era, Koehler received numerous awards, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Rifle Expert Badge. In addition to his military achievements, Koehler has become a cornerstone of the veteran community in Miles City. His volunteer work includes coordinating home ramp installations, arranging transportation for medical appointments, and ensuring that fellow veterans receive hot meals.
“People know they can rely on you during times of need,” the governor said during the ceremony, praising Koehler’s leadership and commitment to fellow veterans.
Each recipient was presented with a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor, along with a personal letter from the governor recognizing their life of service.
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation has honored 171 veterans since 2021, recognizing those who not only served in the armed forces but who also continue to serve their communities. In 2024 alone, 50 veterans were selected for the award.
Concluding both ceremonies, Gov. Gianforte read aloud a heartfelt message to the honorees: “Thank you for your extraordinary life of service. It’s my honor to recognize you with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for anything. My door is always open.”
As part of his ongoing 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte made stops in eastern Montana this week to recognize two veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring their military service and continued contributions to their communities.
On Thursday in Glendive, Gov. Gianforte presented the award to U.S. Army veteran Rick Berg during a ceremony at VFW Post 1125. A native of Glendive and Vietnam War veteran, Berg was commended not only for his decorated military career — which included the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal — but also for his work after returning home. Berg founded Montana’s first chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America and played a pivotal role in developing the Dawson County Veterans Memorial Park.
“Each year since taking office, I’ve had the honor of visiting with veterans in Glendive and Miles City as I recognize the peers they’ve nominated for their life of service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Americans, we have a duty to honor our veterans, and through our Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation award, we thank Montanans for their service in uniform and in our communities.”
The following day in Miles City, the governor visited VFW Post 1579 to honor U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ken Koehler. Recognized for his service during the Gulf War era, Koehler received numerous awards, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Rifle Expert Badge. In addition to his military achievements, Koehler has become a cornerstone of the veteran community in Miles City. His volunteer work includes coordinating home ramp installations, arranging transportation for medical appointments, and ensuring that fellow veterans receive hot meals.
“People know they can rely on you during times of need,” the governor said during the ceremony, praising Koehler’s leadership and commitment to fellow veterans.
Each recipient was presented with a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor, along with a personal letter from the governor recognizing their life of service.
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation has honored 171 veterans since 2021, recognizing those who not only served in the armed forces but who also continue to serve their communities. In 2024 alone, 50 veterans were selected for the award.
Concluding both ceremonies, Gov. Gianforte read aloud a heartfelt message to the honorees: “Thank you for your extraordinary life of service. It’s my honor to recognize you with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for anything. My door is always open.”