U.S. SENATE— U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Montana’s Army National Guard aviation crews for their selfless and heroic service during a series of life-saving rescue missions. 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 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 life-saving 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 rock face 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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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins