SCOBEY, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this week honored five veterans across eastern Montana with his 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Four of the veterans honored included U.S. Air Force Veteran Fitch Hons of Scobey, U.S. Army Veteran Chante Japp of Poplar, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Clint Jacobs of Culbertson, and U.S. Army Veteran Gerry Glasser of Glendive.
“One of the greatest honors I have is to recognize our veterans for their service,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we round out our 56 County Tour, it was great to visit with our veterans and their family and friends as we thank them for their sacrifice and commitment.”
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community. 31 veterans received the award in 2021, 51 veterans received the award in 2022, and 39 veterans received the award in 2023.
As the governor travels the state for his 56 County Tour, he holds ceremonies for recipients alongside their family, friends, and members of the community. There, he presents recipients with a state flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor, and a letter thanking them for their life of service.
On Wednesday in Scobey, the governor held a ceremony to honor Fitch Hons for his military service and over four decades of service to Daniels County.
From his letter, the governor outlined Hons’ roles as, “the Daniels County Under Sheriff for 13 years, a first responder for 27 years, and as the maintenance manager for the Daniels Memorial and Healthcare Center and Scobey Schools. I also understand that you’ve been the Daniels County Ambulance Association President for more than a decade, and as a member of the American Legion Post 56 for 18 years, giving much of your time to other veterans.”
Traveling on to Poplar, Gov. Gianforte honored Chante Japp for her service in the U.S. Army and as a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
During the ceremony held at Fort Peck tribal headquarters, the community showed an outpouring of support for Japp in her role as a social worker and mentor through the Fort Peck Tribal Courts to serve Montana youth and fellow veterans.
Stopping by Culbertson, the governor joined over 40 members of the community to recognize Vietnam veteran Clint Jacobs for his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps and commitment to Dawson County.
As the first manager of the Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority, Montana’s first regional water project, Jacobs held to secure over 3,000 miles of pipeline and deliver drinking water to more than 20 communities and nearly 4,000 farms, ranches, and rural homes.
In his letter to Jacobs, the governor read, “Through your 45 years of membership with the American Legion Post 18, you’ve selflessly served many veterans. I understand that you also served as a board member and board chair of the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson, ensuring veterans receive the care they need.”
At the V.F.W. Post 1125 in Glendive, the governor joined nearly 100 members of the post, community, and family and friends of Vietnam Veteran Gerry Glaser to present him with the award.
During his service, Glaser was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Coming home to Glendive, Glaser served as vice president of the Eastern Montana Veterans Home Foundation, as secretary and treasurer of the Glendive Kiwanis Club, and as chaplain of both the American Legion Post 28 and the V.F.W. Post 1125.
The governor is accepting nominations for the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation until October 21. Learn more about the award and how to nominate a veteran here.
Press release provided by Governor Gianforte
