[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING BLAKE FUHRIMAN FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO 
                            MONTANA VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MATTHEW M. ROSENDALE, SR.

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2024

  Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Blake 
Fuhriman, a man whose life exemplifies dedication to our country and 
fellow veterans. Blake's journey is a testament to his resilience, 
leadership, and enduring acts of service.
  From an early age, Blake's love for our Nation inspired him to serve 
with distinction as an Army Ranger in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. During 
his time in the military, Blake was faced with the harsh realities of 
war by completing three deployments to Afghanistan. His admirable 
service in these dangerous and challenging environments forged a 
resilience that would inspire others as well.
  Like many veterans, Blake first had difficulty adjusting to civilian 
life after serving in the military. But soon after, he found a new 
mission that would enable him to keep helping others. Blake became a 
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (S.E.R.E) instructor, where 
he taught critical survival tactics and knowledge to military members 
and organizations across the Nation. His work as a S.E.R.E instructor 
which allowed him to give back to the military community, ensuring that 
others would be prepared to face the challenges he had once 
encountered.
  Blake's commitment to service extended well beyond our military. 
Later in his life, he took on the role of Senior Director of Clinical 
Operations Support at RiverStone Health, Yellowstone County, Montana's 
Community Health Center. In this capacity, Blake was responsible for 
regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and a wide array of direct 
and supportive services. His leadership and dedication were 
instrumental in enhancing the health and well-being of the community.
  In 2019, Blake further demonstrated his commitment to his fellow 
veterans by founding the Veterans Navigation Network (VNN). This 
organization, which stemmed from Blake's passion for supporting 
veterans, aims to meet the transition needs of every Montana veteran. 
Through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer 
mentorship, and a variety of other services, VNN has made a profound 
impact on the lives of Montana's veterans. Since its start, VNN has 
directly assisted over 850 veterans, connecting them with critical 
resources such as healthcare, behavioral health services, legal 
assistance, and much more.
  Under Blake's leadership, VNN has also become the lead agency for the 
Eastern Montana Veteran Service Provider Network, a coalition of 
government agencies, non-profits, and faith-based organizations 
dedicated to assisting veterans and their families. His efforts have 
been recognized through his involvement in the Suicide Prevention 
Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, the Montana Governor's Challenge to 
End Veteran Suicide, and the Montana Behavioral Health Advisory Council 
Veterans Subcommittee. Blake Fuhriman's contributions to our nation's 
heroes have not gone and will not go unnoticed.
  Beyond his professional achievements, Blake is a devoted husband to 
his wife, Alissa, and a loving father to their three children. It is an 
honor to recognize Blake Fuhriman for his remarkable service to our 
Nation and his continued dedication to improving the lives of veterans 
and communities throughout the Treasure State. His leadership, 
compassion, and tireless efforts serve as an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________