Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Leslie Cartner of Billings

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Leslie Cartner, Commander of the Yellowstone Battalion of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Billings.

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Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here. 

Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week 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 Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve

The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:

MONTANAN OF THE WEEK

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Leslie Cartner, Commander of the Yellowstone Battalion of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Billings.  Leslie’s devotion to the Yellowstone Battalion, the only Sea Cadet organization in the state of Montana, has been outstanding. In the next few weeks Leslie will complete her tenure as Yellowstone Battalion Commander and transfer responsibility for the Sea Cadet program to another capable Montanan. 

In 1962 Congress chartered the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.  Today there are over 380 Sea Cadet units and nearly 9,000 young Americans participating in the program.  In the Yellowstone Battalion, under Leslie’s leadership, the cadets have been trained in drill and ceremony, first aid, inspection procedures, and taught the basics of fighting a fire while onboard a ship.  In addition to learning introductory level Navy skills, the cadets have received character building instruction in avoiding substance abuse and prevention of bullying and harassment.  One of the instructors for the Yellowstone Battalion, Navy veteran George Blackard, described Leslie as the driving force behind the local Sea Cadet program and “the one who really got it off the ground.”  I strongly share George’s appreciation for the work Leslie has done to enhance the program, and her commitment to helping build the next generation of leaders. 

From Libby to Ekalaka, Montanans are doing great things to strengthen their communities. A thank you for a job well done, I tip my cap to Leslie 

Good job Sailor.

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