Governor Gianforte Visits Red Lodge to Honor Local Citizens

Colonel Bob Larson and Representative Brad Barker honored at Elks Club

Governor Gianforte came to the Red Lodge Elks Club this morning (Friday, August 11) to honor local veteran Colonel Bob Larson for his service to country and community. Governor Gianforte began by sharing his special connection with Red Lodge before presenting Colonel Larson with a State flag that has flown over the Capital and a letter of commendation for his selfless and ongoing service to the community: from serving admirably in the United States Air Force for 26 years to his years of serving the local community and his wider community of veterans (Operation Second Chance is just one of many acts of service). The governor received something special in return. Watch the entire presentation below (approx. 7.5 minutes):

Governor Gianforte delivered a twofer for those assembled by following his presentation to Col. Larson with the ceremonial signing of Representative Brad Barker’s Bill 583 that makes it possible for military personnel and their families to transfer their professional licenses from other states when they return home or decide to make Montana home after their service allowing them to go straight to work. The governor began with a description of how the budget surplus was addressed before acknowledging the hard work that Rep. Barker put in to the last legislative session and highlighting the importance of the bill he was about to sign. Watch the ceremony below (approx. 5.5 minutes):

Before the governor arrived at the Elks Club, he made a stop to honor a rural healthcare worker and then dropped into the Sheriff’s office with breakfast and chatted with Sheriff Josh McQuillan, three deputies and a Red Lodge police officer about mental health, employee housing and the National Guard support they’ve received. The governor packed a lot into his morning in Red Lodge.