U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Les Gilman of Madison County for his longstanding dedication to protecting the land and people that make up Ruby Valley.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
TRIBUTE TO LES GILMAN OF MADISON COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Les Gilman of Madison County for his longstanding dedication to protecting the land and people that make up Ruby Valley.
Les is a fifth generation Montana rancher in the Alder area with family roots that date back to the Gold Rush in Virginia City in 1863. The history of the Gilman family’s revered land can be recounted by historical documents written and compiled by Les’ father, Lowell Gilman, complete with photographs and stories of the agricultural and mining activity that took place over the years. Les and his wife, Donna, now proudly tend to their family’s ranch along with other family members.
Beyond the property lines of the family ranch, Les maintains an esteemed record of public service to the Ruby Valley community, serving in many roles to ensure the wellbeing of his fellow Montanans and the land they all love. Over the years, Les has played an active role in his church, the Ruby Valley Hospital Foundation, the Alder Fire Department and countless other community organizations. In 2018, Les received the 2018 Ruby Valley Conservation District Stewardship award for his involvement in many local natural resources management projects and for his dedication to his community.
Les is a dedicated member of the Ruby Valley Strategic Alliance, and after years of service, is retiring from his role as the executive director of the Ruby Habitat Foundation. In both endeavors, Les has been dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the natural resources and social and economic makeup of the Ruby Valley.
It is my distinct honor to recognize Les Gilman for his passion to preserve our Montana way of life and for his involvement in the Ruby Valley community. Keep up the great work, Les. You make Montana proud!
Contact: Rachel Dumke, Blake Kernen