Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour, Honors Veterans and Highlights Small Business

Gov. Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour in Deer Lodge, Powell, Granite Counties

Governor's Office
- April 16 2026
PHILIPSBURG, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today continued the first swing of his sixth annual 56 County Tour, meeting with Montanans in Deer Lodge, Powell, and Granite counties to highlight Montana veterans, small businesses, and first responders.

“It’s great to be back on the road for our 56 County Tour,” Gov. Gianforte said. “You learn more from being on the ground than you do sitting behind a desk. Hearing directly from Montanans helps us be more responsive to the needs of each of our communities.”

Gov. Gianforte visiting with the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department

Beginning the day Anaconda, the governor presented his Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to Specialist Kenneth Maynard, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1968 to 1972, including during the Vietnam War.

Stationed with the 8th Radio Research Field Station at Camp Eagle in Phu Bai, Maynard conducted sensitive intelligence and communications operations in support of the 101st Airborne Division, requiring Top Secret and Crypto security clearance. After his military service, Maynard continued to serve his community in Anaconda as a board member of the Anaconda Restoration Association and as a supporter of the Copper Village Art Center and the Anaconda Wildlife Art Expo.

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made positive impacts in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor.

Continuing to Deer Lodge County, the governor visited Western States Garage Door Supply to highlight the family-owned business that opened its new facility in Anaconda in 2024. The business services residential and commercial properties in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

“We are lucky in Montana to have such a business-friendly governor,” said Steve Colvin, Western States Garage Door Supply Regional Sales Manager. “Governor Gianforte has made it easier for Montana businesses to succeed and thrive in our state. We are grateful for him to stop by and see our operation.”

Following the business tour, Gov. Gianforte traveled to Deer Lodge to visit the SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry. There, the governor helped volunteers unload a new shipment of boxes to stock the food pantry that serves nearly 1,000 veterans each year.

“Every year, our team of volunteers serves the veteran community in and around Deer Lodge,” said Jay and Susan Wood. “Veterans are very humble people who will often go without because they feel they there are people who ‘need it more.’ This food pantry fills a need in our community and helps those who served our country.”

Ending the day in Granite County, the governor visited the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department. In 2025, Gov. Gianforte signed into law several bills to increase support for Montana’s volunteer firefighters. House Bills 128 and 129, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, the bills create an income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and protect them from termination at work.

“I appreciate the support Governor Gianforte has shown to rural fire departments,” Fire Chief David Ray said. “We are the boots on the ground supporting our community. It is vital that our department is functional and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I’m thankful for the continuous support Governor Gianforte has shown during his time in office.”

The governor will continue his 56 County Tour in eastern Montana in the coming weeks.

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