Libby veteran receives commendation for service
Luke Hollister Western News | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 6 months AGO
John Alex, middle, waits with family members to receive the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. (Luke Hollister/The Western News)
Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana, left, awards veteran John Alex the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. (Luke Hollister/The Western News)
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana, left, awards veteran John Alex the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. (Luke Hollister/The Western News)
Veteran John Alex, middle, stands with U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana, right, as he is applauded after being awarded the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. (Luke Hollister/The Western News)
Veteran John Alex is embraced by award ceremony attendees after receiving the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548. (Luke Hollister/The Western News)
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana presented Libby Air Force veteran John Alex the 2018 Montana Congressional Veterans Commendation for service served both in uniform and in the community, Friday at the Libby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1548.
Gianforte said it was great to honor Alex. For the commendation, veteran biographical information is read into the congressional record and then a flag is flown over the U.S. capital in honor of the recognized veterans.
“We have so many stories that aren’t told and it’s so important to shine a light on the service of these men and women,” he said.
Gianforte read the commendation aloud to Alex and audience members, listing how Alex served in the Vietnam War, was an aircraft jet engine maintenance superintendent, retired as a senior master sergeant and worked with Libby schools.
“These veterans commendations are one of the most wonderful things I get to do,” he said.
Alex said he was surprised to learn about the commendation and that he enjoyed his 23 years served in the military.
“This is crazy,” said Alex when he first stepped on stage during the recognition ceremony.
“I have not done anything maratorias that any veteran wouldn’t have done,” he said.
There are a lot of veterans in Libby’s VFW Post 1548 who are more deserving of this recognition, he said. “I accepted the award on behalf of those guys.”
Alex also accepted a flag, dated for when it was flown over the capitol in his honor.
“The notoriety is something else,” he said.
ARTICLES BY LUKE HOLLISTER WESTERN NEWS
Interim Kootenai supervisor promotes forest resiliency
Kootenai National Forest’s temporary supervisor is on track to sell roughly 78 million board feet of timber this season, with plans to salvage burned timber from last year’s fires, but mostly, she wants to get back to cutting green trees.
Libby deer infected with wasting disease
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials recently found a white-tailed doe infected with Chronic Wasting Disease for the first time west of the Continental Divide, and the animal was found within the Libby city limits, according to a press release from the state agency.
Stimson Lumber reps discuss forest management
Stimson Lumber Co. representatives showed plans for a conservation easement and dispelled rumors of having a new mill in Libby at a meeting last week with the Society of American Foresters.