Tag: Military

Daines, Tester Congratulate Ashleigh Lehotsky of Great Falls on U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today congratulated Charles M. Russell (CMR) High School graduate Ashleigh Lehotsky on her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Daines and Tester both nominated Lehotsky and called to congratulate her. Ashleigh Lehotsky is a graduate of Charles M. Russell (CMR) High School and is currently a cadet in the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.  While in high school she was President of Key Club, received the Outstanding Engineering Student Award and was First Chair on the CMR Symphonic Band. Lehotsky was the 2014 AA State Track and Field Shot Put Champion and holds the CMR Shot

Daines Addresses Montana’s Veterans Long-Standing Concerns

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today moved forward important reforms that increase Montana veterans’ access to healthcare services.  This afternoon, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the FY 2017 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which includes many of Daines’ reforms that address Montana’s veterans long-standing concerns.  “I am proud to secure important priorities for Montana on behalf of those that served our nation in uniform,” Daines stated.  Daines also successfully included an amendment during the committee process protects veterans’ ability to discuss with VA physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal.   The amendment would

Daines Rallies Support for Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representatives Chris Gibson (R-NY) and David Valadao (R-CA) to rally support for their legislation to ensure Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans are eligible to receive benefits linked to Agent Orange Exposure. Daines at the U.S. Capitol with Senate and House co-sponsors and veterans. Click here to download.  Click here to watch Daines’ remarks. Click here to download Daines’ remarks.  Daines introduced legislation to ensure thousands of Vietnam-era Navy veterans, known as “Blue Water” vets, who were exposed to the powerful toxin Agent Orange will be eligible to receive disability and health care benefits

Daines Announces UH-1N Helicopter Replacement Decision

U.S. SENATE — Following a meeting with U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah James, U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Air Force will be going with the slowest proposed route to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1Ns that provide security for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The Air Force had the option to utilize existing contracts for Blackhawk helicopters and secure the ICBMs up to two years faster, or enter into a normal acquisition process.  “We have an obligation to secure our nuclear weapons at Malmstrom,” Daines stated. “Right now, our world’s most powerful weapons are sitting unsecured in

Daines Presses Defense Secretary on Much-Needed Huey Helicopter Upgrades

U.S. SENATE —Senator Steve Daines today pressed Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter on the timeline to upgrade Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters to provide much-needed security for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) stationed at Malmstron Air Force Base (AFB). During this morning’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the proposed FY 2017 U.S. Department of Defense budget, Daines worked to secure a timeline for new equipment to protect America’s nuclear missiles.   “Given the increased risk for terrorism here at home, I am concerned at how low on the priority list this appears to be,” Daines stated. “The Air Force still has not decided how they’re

Daines’ Office ‘Purple Up’ for Military Kids

U.S. SENATE — Senator Steve Daines and his office today honored the sacrifices military and veteran children make on behalf of the country by wearing purple to “Purple Up For Military Kids” on April 15. “Our offices in Montana and Washington are proud to Purple Up to help raise awareness and build support for military and veteran kids and families,”Daines stated. “We can’t thank our military heroes enough for their service to our country, including the tremendous sacrifice of their families. Thank you to all military children for their heroism and sacrifice on behalf of our country.” Daines and his Washington, D.C.

Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates John Winters on Merchant Marines Appointment

U.S. SENATE – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated John Winters on his appointment to the United States Merchant Marines Academy. Winters, whose parents live in Florence, Montana is attending Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a member of his school Varsity Soccer, Cross County and Track teams. He is a black belt in Taekwondo and an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. Winters is also on the Drill team at his school and was a member of the Navy Junior ROTC program.                 

Tester and Daines Congratulate Polson High Graduate on Appointment to Merchant Marine Academy

(U.S. Senate)—Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced today that a recent graduate of Polson High School has been accepted to the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas Becker, 19, received a full appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy.  A Big Arm resident, Becker served on his high school’s Board of Governors, played tennis, lacrosse, and skied throughout his high school career. Tester and Daines spoke with Becker and congratulated him on his appointment. “Nicholas will make Montana and all of America proud as an officer in the United States Merchant Marines,” Tester said.  “His stellar academic record and his leadership experience

TESTER, DAINES AND ZINKE ANNOUNCE ANNUAL ACADEMY DAYS

(MONTANA) – Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke have announced the dates for this year’s Academy Days, taking place in Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings.  Academy Days are free and open to Montana middle and high school students who are interested in attending a military academy or pursuing a career in the military.  During these event students can meet with representatives from Tester, Daines and Zinke’s offices, as well as officials from the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and

Montana Congressional Delegation Congratulates Caitlin Gillespie on U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment

U.S. CONGRESS – Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Representative Ryan Zinke congratulated Hamilton High School student Caitlin Gillespie on her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Gillespie was nominated to the academy by the entire Montana Congressional delegation. Gillespie is a senior at Hamilton High School and was captain of both her Track & Field and Basketball teams, and is a proud member of her State Champion Class A Basketball Team. She is on the Honor Roll, homecoming royalty and is a delegate for the American Legion’s Girl’s All State. Gillespie has also accomplished her first solo