Governor Gianforte Honors Shelby Veteran

Governor Gianforte Honors Shelby Veteran

• September 18 2025

SHELBY, Mont. - Continuing his 56 County Tour in Toole County, Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized Sergeant Bob Longcake with the 2024 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation for his service to the nation and his lasting impact on his community.

"Sergeant Longcake exemplifies the very best of Montana's veterans," Gov. Gianforte said. "From his courageous service in Vietnam to his tireless dedication to the veteran community, he has shown what it means to put others first and to serve with integrity and heart."

Gov. Gianforte honoring Bob Longcake with the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation in Shelby

During the Vietnam War, Sergeant Longcake served in the U.S. Air Force on base in Ubon, Thailand. As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, he took on the was responsible for arming and rearming F-4 Phantom aircraft, preparing the aircraft for combat and ensuring safe procedures in one of the war's most hazardous assignments.

After leaving the military, Sergeant Longcake came home to Montana to continue to serve his community and fellow veterans. In 2004, Longcake was one of six veterans in the Shelby area who founded the Veterans Memorial Flag project, a memorial built as a lasting tribute to Montana veterans and to honor the young servicemen and women who deploy to serve the country.

In a ceremony held at the memorial, Longcake was honored alongside his family and dozens of community members where he shared the importance of the memorial and the legacy he hopes it sustains.

"My goal is to be sure that the flag will fly 50 years from now and when my grandsons drive down the interstate, they can look up there and see it," Longcake said.

Each recipient of the Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation receives a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter from the governor recognizing their service. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation. The deadline to nominate a veteran is Monday, October 20, 2025. Recipients will be honored in ceremonies across Montana next year.

To learn more about the commendation and to nominate a Montana veteran, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.