U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Montana Natives and U.S. Veterans Francies Poulos and Michelle Johnson as Montanans of the Month for their extraordinary service contributions to Montana.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the recipient’s honor into the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling his office at 202-224-2651 or filling out the submission form on his website HERE.
The following is the tribute Daines submitted to the Congressional Record to honor Montanans Francies Poulos and Michelle Johnson.
TRIBUTE TO FRANCIES POULOS
Mr. Daines, Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Francies Poulos as Montanan of the Month.
Francies Poulos is a veteran from Billings who exemplifies the spirit of America through service and sacrifice.
As a young woman, Francies joined the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, demonstrating an extraordinary love of country and commitment to duty as part of the generation that trailblazed new roles for women in the armed forces. During her time in service, she met the love of her life, Nick, whom she married in 1945.
Later on, Francies earned college degrees in accounting and in law. After moving back to Montana in the 1990s, she and her husband dedicated their time to helping turn neglected Billings homes into spaces that renters could afford. Outside of her work life, Francies is an artist, poet, photographer, and author.
This June, Francies celebrated her 107th birthday, an incredible milestone achievement. I commend her for her service, her civic-minded attitude, and selfless contributions to Montana. It is my distinct honor to recognize Francies Poulos as Montanan of the Month.
TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE JOHNSON
Mr. Daines, Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Michelle Johnson as Montanan of the Month.
Michelle Johnson is a resident of Great Falls, Montana, and has made tremendous impacts to the community over the years. Michelle serves as a counselor and PCMHI specialist in Great Falls. Prior to her career as a mental health specialist, Michelle served as a medical logistician helping veterans at the VA beginning in 2006 and rose to the role of non-commissioned officer-in-charge of medical contracting. While advancing her roles with the VA, Michelle simultaneously completed a master’s degree in clinical health counseling.
Michelle has dedicated selfless hours of work to the veterans community in Montana. She has assisted hundreds of veterans with mental health recovery. She also established the VA’s only Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) Clinic, that has significantly contributed to improving PTSD and mental health recovery for veterans seeking treatment.
Michelle Johnson’s service, innovation, compassion, and unwavering support to the veterans community is outstanding, and I commend her for her selfless contributions. Michelle embodies the meaning of service and the very best of Montana. It is my distinct honor to recognize Michelle Johnson as Montanan of the Month.
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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins