Governor Gianforte Honors Central Montana Veterans

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized twelve Montana veterans with the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Cascade, Fergus, and Musselshell counties.

"Montana veterans represent the very best of our state," Gov. Gianforte said. "Their courage and sacrifice have defended our freedoms, and their continued service strengthens our communities. It is an honor to recognize these outstanding veterans and thank them for all they have done for our state and nation."

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 230 Montana veterans have received the honor.

During a ceremony held in Cascade County this week, the governor recognized nine veterans in Great Falls.

Seaman Bernard Cooper, a United States Navy veteran, was honored for 26 years of leadership and service through American Legion Post 3. Cooper has supported the post's Honor Guard, veteran funeral services, American Legion Baseball, the White Cross Fatality Marker Program, the Vets 4 Vets Stand Down, and patriotic flag displays throughout Great Falls.

Master Sergeant David Driver was recognized for 24 years of service in the United States Air Force and decades of leadership within the American Legion. A former Montana Department Commander, Driver has also supported Junior ROTC programs, patriotic flag displays, highway fatality markers, and educational programs at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Master Sergeant Ernesto Galvez was honored for 25 years of service in the United States Air Force, including counterdrug operations in Peru, a deployment to Kuwait, and service as a Nuclear Weapons Monitor in Russia under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Since retiring, Galvez has assisted neighbors and community organizations, supported hurricane recovery efforts, and provided translation services to Spanish speaking families.

Corporal Herbert Gilmour was recognized for his service in the United States Marine Corps and his continued dedication to honoring fellow veterans. Through Marine Corps League Detachment 688, Gilmour participated in more than 150 funeral honors, memorial services, dedication ceremonies, and community events. He has also served for 15 years on the board of the Montana Veterans Memorial Association.

Chief Master Sergeant Russell Jacques was honored for 35 years of service in the United States Air Force and Montana Air National Guard. His career included assignments across the globe and leadership of the Military Affiliate Radio System for the western United States, helping service members overseas communicate with their families during the Vietnam War. Jacques has continued supporting veterans through the Veterans of Foreign Wars and numerous community organizations.

Corporal William Hyatt Rogers was recognized for his service in the United States Marine Corps and a lifetime of volunteerism. Rogers has mentored young people, supported Toys for Tots, honored fallen veterans, assisted the Vets 4 Vets Stand Down, and helped maintain the Montana Veterans Memorial.

Sergeant First Class Terry Tobiness was honored for her service in the United States Army Reserve, including a deployment to the United Arab Emirates during Operation Desert Storm. Tobiness also dedicated 50 years to nursing, including more than a decade caring for fellow veterans at the Great Falls VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. In retirement, she has continued to advocate for veterans and organize community ceremonies and events.

Sergeant First Class Neil White was recognized for 23 years of service in the United States Army Signal Corps, including six overseas tours and a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. White has continued supporting fellow veterans through VFW Post 4669, the Vets 4 Vets Stand Down, veteran outreach programs, and community service through New Hope Lutheran Church.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Blake Wombold was honored for his service in the United States Army Reserve, including three deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. Wombold continues serving his community by assisting elderly neighbors, mentoring young people, purchasing basketball shoes for students on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and providing affordable firewood to senior citizens and disabled veterans through Wombat Firewood LLC.

In Fergus County, the governor recognized Staff Sergeant Gregory Atherton II, a United States Army and Army National Guard veteran who served from 1999 to 2014 as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. During a ceremony held in Lewistown, the governor recognized Atherton for his decades of public service to the Lewistown and Grass Range communities, including serving his fellow veterans at VFW Post 1703, volunteering as an emergency medical technician and firefighter, and supporting local youth and community events.

The governor concluded the veteran ceremonies in Musselshell County, recognizing two veterans in Roundup.

Master Sergeant Ronald Carson was honored for more than 21 years of service in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, Carson served with the 377th Air Police Squadron's Quick Reaction Force and later served as a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Carson has supported veterans as Commander of Musselshell Valley VFW Post 4925 and also served seniors, young people, and his community through the Roundup Tree Board, the Musselshell County Council on Aging, bowhunter education, and his church.

Specialist Fourth Class Billy Don Turner was recognized for his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and his decades of leadership in Roundup. Through VFW Post 4925, Turner helped secure and place more than 200 bronze headstone medallions honoring local veterans and has supported annual Memorial Day observances. Turner also helped establish the Roundup Independence Day Extravaganza and, with his wife, Toni, founded the Buttons and Bows children's rodeo, providing generations of young Montanans opportunities to learn responsibility, horsemanship, and western values.

"These veterans remind us that service does not end when the uniform comes off," Gov. Gianforte said. "They continue answering the call by caring for their neighbors, supporting fellow veterans, mentoring young Montanans, and preserving the legacy of those who served before them."

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.

Gov. Gianforte also announced nominations for the 2026 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation will open Tuesday, September 8. To learn more about the commendation and nominate a Montana veteran, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.

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