Big Sky Times

HELENA, Mont. – Continuing his 56 County Tour in eastern Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte this week recognized four veterans in Miles City with the 2022 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

“No one better embodies our Montana values and commitment to service than our veterans, and it was my honor to recognize four outstanding veterans in Miles City,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through their commitment to service, Stan, Darryl, Jerry, and Casey have made our nation safer and our communities stronger.”

Gov. Gianforte presented awards to Stan Swiontek, Darryl Mendoza, Jerry Dusatko, and Casey Dusatko, all of Miles City.

Specialist Stan Swiontek

As a member of the U.S. Army, Swiontek proudly served our county during the Vietnam War, earning a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, among others. For more than a decade, Swiontek has been an integral part of the Miles City VFW, taking on the leadership role of Commander at a time when the VFW was struggling to pay the bills and facing the threat of being shut down. Under his leadership, the post now maintains an active relief fund that benefits countless veterans in need of temporary financial assistance, provides veterans in need with transportation, temporary lodging, mobility devices, and various home maintenance tasks, and offers a free or low-cost meeting place for local clubs and organizations. In addition to running Post 1579, Swiontek also serves as VFW’s District 6 Commander, overseeing posts in Miles City, Glendive, Jordan, Broadus, and Ekalaka.

Culinary Specialist 2 Darryl Mendoza

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mendoza made selfless sacrifices in defense of our freedoms during 14 years of service in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, the Iraq War, and the Persian Gulf Crisis. After leaving the military, Mendoza began working for the Department of Veteran Affairs as the Cook Supervisor for the VA in Miles City. Mendoza also makes an impact in the community alongside his wife, Angela, supporting her as President of the Kiwanis Club in Miles City.

Sergeant Jerry Dusatko

As a member of the U.S. Army, Dusatko earned an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and two Overseas Service Bars. Upon returning home after serving in Vietnam, Dusatko married his wife, Carolyn, created Sandhills Sewing and Vacuum Center, and raised six children, three of which followed in his footsteps joining the military.

Sergeant Casey Dusatko

As a member of the U.S. Army, Dusatko courageously defended freedom overseas as a Combat Engineer and Bradley Tank Commander during two tours in Iraq. While serving our country from 2003-2008, he earned four Army Commendation Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Combat Action Badge. After coming back home to his wife and daughters in Miles City, Dusatko took over the Sandhills Sewing and Vacuum Center for his dad, a place that is a special part of the Miles City community. Dusatko has also supported his fellow veterans as an active member of VFW Post 1579, having served as a Quartermaster and currently serving as the Post Chaplain and on the House Committee.

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.

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