[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       TRIBUTE TO THE MONTANA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AVIATION CREWS

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing the Montana Army National Guard, MTARNG, aviation crews as 
Montanans of the Month for their extraordinary courage and dedication 
during a series of lifesaving rescue missions across our State.
  In the rugged backcountry of Montana, where steep cliffs, high 
altitudes, and unpredictable weather can turn a simple hike into a 
life-threatening situation, these guardsmen stand ready, day or night, 
to answer the call. Their professionalism and heroism exemplify the 
very best of our citizen soldiers.
  On August 9, 2025, the Helena-based aviation team responded to a 
rescue near Zortman after a person fell over a cliff and suffered 
serious injuries. With limited visibility from wildfire smoke and 
nightfall plus the added challenge of a sheer rockface and heavy 
timber, the crew conducted a highly technical nighttime rescue. Thanks 
to their precision and teamwork, the injured individual was safely 
hoisted and flown to Billings for medical care.

       Recognized Crew: CPT Otis Smith (Pilot-in-Command), CW3 Tom 
     Kinyon (Co-Pilot), SGT Ian Montgomery (Crew Chief), SSG 
     Anthony Wright (Crew Chief), and SGT Randy Scales (Flight 
     Paramedic).

  Only a week later, on August 17, 2025, another MTARNG aircrew from 
Billings sprang into action when three hypothermic hikers became 
stranded in the Beartooth Mountains. With ground rescue teams unable to 
reach the group safely, the MTARNG crew braved freezing temperatures 
and rough terrain to extract the hikers and deliver them to Columbus 
for emergency treatment.

       Recognized Crew: CW3 Zach Lundgren (Pilot-in-Command), CW2 
     Cameron Olson (Co-Pilot), SGT Justin Asher (Crew Chief), SPC 
     Patrick Northrup (Flight Paramedic), and Rob Gersbach from 
     the Billings Fire Department (Flight Paramedic).

  Their month of service didn't end there. Between August 24-26, 2025, 
MTARNG crews from both Billings and Helena joined a multi-agency search 
for a missing 71-year-old hiker in the Beartooth Mountains. After the 
hiker was located by an Air Force helicopter from Malmstrom Air Force 
Base, the MTARNG team from Helena performed a high-altitude hoist 
rescue, successfully recovering both the hiker and the Air Force flight 
doctor who had stayed with him overnight in the mountains. Their 
teamwork and coordination with the Air Force and local responders 
ensured a safe end to a dangerous mission.

       Recognized Crew: CW3 Brett Normandeau (Pilot-in-Command), 
     CW3 Pat Rickar (Co-Pilot), SPC Sydney Stephenson (Crew 
     Chief), and SPC Zach Blank (Crew Chief).

  Each of these operations demanded split-second decision-making, 
advanced flight skill, and immense courage. Even through flying in 
wildfire smoke, over jagged terrain, or in the dead of night, these 
crews embody the Montana spirit of bravery, selflessness, and a 
steadfast commitment to saving lives.
  To the men and women of the Montana Army National Guard aviation 
teams: Thank you for your service to our State and your unwavering 
dedication to the people of Montana. Your courage in the face of danger 
makes us proud to call you fellow Montanans.

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