U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Jay and Susan Wood of Powell County for their tireless dedication to ensuring Montana’s veterans never go hungry and for their extraordinary service through the Southwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry. Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, every month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress. To recommend a Montanan click HERE. The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
TRIBUTE TO JAY AND SUSAN WOOD OF POWELL COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jay and Susan Wood of Powell County as Montanans of the Month. Jay and Susan have made it their mission to ensure Montana’s veterans never go hungry and have delivered more than 44,000 pounds of food to veterans across 16 Montana counties in 2025 so far. In May alone, they distributed 5,400 pounds to southwest Montana vets—their biggest month on record, surpassing the previous month by 1,400 pounds.
The Woods have created a community with the Southwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry where veterans can feel a part of a family. Additionally, they’ve built an extraordinary network of food pantries, nonprofit organizations, supermarkets, specialty businesses, and countless other groups across the state that work together to identify and support veterans in need.
Their work is a worthwhile mission, and Jay and Susan are an inspiration to us all to give back to our communities. Their selfless efforts deserve recognition and serve as a powerful reminder to cherish our freedoms and thank those who have fought to defend our country.
Jay and Susan, thank you for your tireless dedication. Your compassion and service to Montana’s veterans make our state proud. May God continue to bless your efforts and all the men and women you serve.
###
Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins