Helena, Montana – Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recognized 12 veterans this week with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, honoring their military careers as well as the years many have spent helping their communities after leaving active service.
The governor presented the honors during ceremonies held in Lincoln, Ravalli and Missoula counties. The recipients represented different generations and branches of the military, with service stretching from World War II and Vietnam to more recent periods.
“Montana’s veterans represent the very best of our state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Their service to our nation didn’t end when they took off the uniform. These men and women continue serving their neighbors, mentoring the next generation, and strengthening communities across Montana. It’s an honor to recognize their extraordinary contributions.”
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation is reserved for veterans who served honorably in uniform and continued making meaningful contributions after their military service. More than 170 Montana veterans have received the recognition since 2021.
Veterans honored across three Montana counties
During a ceremony in Libby in Lincoln County, Gianforte recognized Private Hugh Taylor, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and fifth-generation Montanan.
Taylor was honored for decades of public service in the Libby community. His work has included serving as a volunteer firefighter, holding a position on the Libby City Council and serving as mayor.
The governor then traveled to Ravalli County, where seven veterans were recognized in Hamilton for their military records and continued leadership in the Bitterroot Valley and elsewhere in Montana.
Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Clover was honored for his Vietnam War service with the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Riverine Forces. After his military career, Clover continued helping other veterans through the American Legion and volunteer transportation services.
Second Lieutenant Jeanne White Doyle, a member of the Greatest Generation, was recognized for her work during World War II. Serving with the Army Nurse Corps, Doyle worked as a triage nurse caring for wounded military personnel returning from the Pacific. Her commendation also recognized a lifetime of service to her community.
Command Sergeant Major Gregory Marose Sr. was recognized after serving for more than 26 years with the U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard. His service to others continued outside the military through roles including firefighter, EMT, Scout leader and American Legion leader.
Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Rosenberg received the commendation for both his distinguished career in the Navy and more than two decades of work supporting veterans. His efforts have included American Legion leadership, military funeral honors and youth programs. Rosenberg also helped create the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Memorial Garden in Hamilton.
Gunnery Sergeant Sean Smothers was recognized following more than 20 years of military service. His work afterward included helping establish the Bitterroot Valley Military Program. Through that effort, he has mentored young Montanans and helped create opportunities for them to pursue military leadership.
First Sergeant Allen Sperry was honored for a decorated Army career that included two tours in Vietnam. He later played a leadership role in developing Hamilton’s Veterans Monument and has continued helping other veterans through Vietnam Veterans of America.
Specialist Deborah “Deb” Strickland was also among the Ravalli County recipients. Her recognition covered her military career, decades of public service and leadership with the American Legion. She has continued supporting veterans, first responders and communities throughout western Montana.
Three veterans recognized in Missoula County
Gianforte concluded the series of ceremonies in Missoula County, where three more veterans were honored for their work supporting veterans, families and younger Montanans.
Sergeant Christopher Lowe, who received both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor, was recognized for his continued support of fellow veterans. His post-service work has included involvement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans’ organizations.
Petty Officer Third Class Rebecca Stancil was honored for helping veterans and their families connect with important resources. Her work has focused on access to housing, employment and other supportive services. She has also participated in numerous veterans’ initiatives serving the Missoula community.
Colonel Leonard “Gary” Swartz received the commendation after more than 30 years of distinguished Army service. Following his military career, Swartz continued working with veterans while also mentoring ROTC cadets and supporting young Montanans through marksmanship and community programs.
Gianforte said the recipients demonstrate how service can continue long after a military career ends.
“These veterans remind us that service is a lifelong commitment,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Whether caring for fellow veterans, protecting their communities, mentoring young people, or preserving the freedoms we cherish, each recipient has made Montana a better place. We’re grateful for their service and proud to recognize them with our state’s highest honor for veterans.”
Each of the 12 recipients received a Montana state flag that had been flown over the State Capitol in their honor. They also received a letter from Gianforte recognizing both their military records and their continued commitment to serving their communities.
Through the latest round of commendations, Montana highlighted veterans whose contributions have continued in many different forms, from firefighting and emergency medical work to mentoring young people, assisting veterans with housing and employment, preserving memorials and participating in local government. Their recognition adds to the more than 170 veterans honored through the program since 2021.
