5 vets honored by Governor in Belgrade

Gallatin County veterans James Bratsky, Frank Harriman, James Korth, Kenneth McMillon, and George Morales received the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation in Belgrade on Sept. 10. Pictured are the veterans along with Gov. Greg Gianforte and his wife, Susan.

Governor Greg Gianforte and his wife honored five former members of the U.S. armed services at a recent ceremony in Belgrade.

The five Gallatin County veterans are James Bratsky, Frank Harriman, James Korth, Kenneth McMillon, and George Morales, and they were nominated for the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation by their peers. The award goes to veterans who demonstrate service to America and continued commitment to their fellow veterans and communities in civilian life.

The award ceremony was held the morning of Sept. 10 at Belgrade Armory, 350 Airport Road.

James Bratsky was recognized for his service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and his continued commitment to veterans and young Montanans, according to a press release from the governor’s office. He was discharged at the rank of first lieutenant.

“Bratsky serves with the American Legion Post 30, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788, and helps administer the Stan Milesnick Scholarship Fund, which has awarded $58,000 to Montana State University veterans and military dependents,” reads the release.

Frank Harriman was honored for his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1983 to 1989 and his continued service to veterans and Montana students. He was discharged at the rank of sergeant.

“Harriman serves as Adjutant of American Legion Post 14 and as Director of Building Trades at Gallatin College MSU, supporting students and expanding training opportunities for the next generation of Montanans,” reads the release.

James Korth was recognized for his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and decades spent assisting Montana veterans. He was discharged at the rank of petty officer second class.

“Korth has served as a veteran’s representative for U.S. Senator Steve Daines, helped lead the installation of the Veterans Columbarium at Sunset Hills Cemetery, and supported the American Legion for 50 years,” reads the release. “Today, he serves as American Legion Post 14 Service Officer, helping connect veterans throughout the Gallatin Valley and Montana with assistance and resources.”

Kenneth McMillon was honored for his service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and years of leadership in veterans’ organizations. He was discharged at the rank of petty officer third class.

“McMillon has served as American Legion District 7 Commander and Adjutant and has held several leadership roles with American Legion Post 30 in Belgrade,” reads the release. “He was also a founding member of the Post 30 American Legion Riders and is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788.”

George Morales was recognized for his service in the U.S. Army, which included combat in Vietnam as a door gunner in a UH-1 Bell Huey helicopter. He was discharged at the rank of specialist.

“After returning home, Morales continued serving veterans as a leader in the Montana State Vietnam Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 788, and American Legion Post 30,” reads the release. “He is also a founding member of the Veterans Alliance of Southwest Montana and supported efforts to establish the Southwest Montana Veterans Cemetery at Sunset Hills.”

During the same trip, Gianforte and his wife also honored three veterans in Livingston, one in Madison County, and two in Carbon County – for a total of 11 awardees, counting those in Gallatin County.

“Montana’s veterans answered the call to serve our country, and for so many, that commitment to service never stopped,” Gianforte said. “Whether supporting fellow veterans, mentoring young Montanans, or simply stepping up when a neighbor needs a hand, these eleven veterans have made a lasting difference in their communities. It’s an honor to recognize them.”

The veterans are among 61 recipients of the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Awardees are honored with a Montana state flag flown over the State Capitol and a letter from the governor recognizing their military service and continued commitment to their communities.

Since 2021, the governor’s office has recognized 230 Montana veterans.

Nominations for the 2026 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation are now open and will close Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Recipients will be announced on Veterans Day and honored in ceremonies across the state next year. To learn more about the commendation and nominate a Montana veteran, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.

“Every community in Montana has veterans whose service deserves to be recognized,” Gianforte said. “As we honor this year’s recipients, I encourage Montanans to help us find the next group of outstanding veterans by nominating someone who continues to serve and strengthen their community.”