Libby veteran receives commendation for service
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.