On March 24th, Post Commander Frank Tuss, Sr. Vice Commander Dennis Burns, and Adjutant Shannon Wilson testified to the State Administration and Veterans Affairs Interim Committee at the state capitol. From the Committee’s agenda:

Compelling testimony about the need to have an updated study was given by representatives from the American Legion, VFW and the DAV. Joe McKenney, Great Falls City Commissioner, also testified before the Committee.

Veterans groups from around Great Falls have been collecting signatures on petitions asking for a veterans home in central Montana. This effort has largely been lead by Dennis Burns, and has garnered approximately 2,300 signatures. Copies of the petitions were sent to Senator Jon Tester’s office in Washington, DC and the local office in Great Falls. Senator Steve Daines also received copies at each of his offices locally and in Washington, DC. Governor Greg Gianforte, also received a copy of the petitions, and Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly was copied on the letter sent to all.

Once funding is allocated for the new study, which hasn’t been updated in a long time, it is hoped we can justify getting a 150 bed facility (nursing and assisted) in Great Falls to serve the approximately 30,000 veterans that live in central Montana.