June Events & Beyond...

 

SAVE the DATES, OBSERVANCES, AWARENESS & MORE:​

 

• NOW through June ~ Run Wild Missoula Training Class (Start training for the Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention (VSAP) 5/17 and/or the Missoula Marathon 6/27-29)

• NOW through June ~ Sign up for Montana NG Child & Youth Program events. SAVE the DATES: 6/30 - 7/3 Teen Adventure & Leadership Camp ~ If you're looking for more than just a typical camp experience, this is your chance to push your limits, build your skills, and make lasting memories; 8/4 - 8/8 Camp Runnamucka and September "Aviation Days" in Helena, etc. Questions: +1 406-324-5120, mtngyouthprograms@gmail.com

• ​June 4th ~ Battle of the Midway Begins (1942)

• June 5 - 8th ~ Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Contest in Ronan, 9am - 3pm (FB event)

• June 6th ~ D-Day (1944)

• June 6th - 8th ~ VOA Moral Injury Veteran Retreats

• June 6th ~ Darby Music Fest. INFO / TICKETS (Facebook)

• June 7th ~ KALISPELL: Veterans Appreciation Day, Snappy's Back Courtyard, Evergreen (NW MT Veterans FP)

• June 7th ~ Butte Wings & Wheels (Facebook event)

• June 7th ~ First Annual FIDO Memorial Ride, Jackson Creek Casino, Montana City, 11am ~ Lost Soldiers MC is a traditional 3-piece club founded by active/retired military personnel (Facebook event) Questions: +1 406-491-0185

• June 8th - 14th ~ Montana American Legion Boys and Girls State (Helena)

• June 11th ~ Montana State Fund Safety Management Consultants (SMCs) Safety Workshop, Best Western Grant Creek Inn, 528 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, 9 - 11am ~ Safety should be woven into every part of every organization, through proactive programs, strong policies, and culture (Kalispell & Butte 6/17 and Helena 6/24).

• June 12th ~ Veterans Career Fair, Lewis & Clark Library, Helena, 11am - 2pm. Questions: John – Montana DoA HRD 406-444-3984, jpavao@mt.gov

• June 13th ~ Montana Firefighters Memorial Run. 5K run & 1 mile walk w/kids race and street dance after the run.

• June 13 - 15th ~ Montana Mule Days at Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 8am - 4pm (Facebook)

• June 13th ~ Volunteer a few hours to help our community during United Way Day of Action 9am - 4pm (part time shifts 9a-12pm & 1-4p OR full day shifts open). Contact salina@missoulaunitedway.org

• June 13th ~ Paddleheads Military Appreciation Night presented by Skydive Missoula. Celebrating Veterans & service members. Pre-sale tickets are on sale (register). Skydive Missoula will be performing demo skydives into the ballpark! (Opening Day in May, 6/13 & 7/4) We are the sponsor of Military Appreciation Night, where they will be auctioning off the player jerseys with all proceeds going to help Veterans. There will also be some fun fan games and special jump promos during the games!

• June 14th ~ Flag Day & Army's 250th Birthday. Commemoration at RMMMH

• June 14th ~ Five Valley Power Rally behind Muralts Travel Plaza. ATTENTION RACE FANS: Diesel Pull, Dyno, Tough Trucks, Sand drags (Five Valley Off Roaders).  

• June 15th ~ Father's Day

• June 18 - August 13th ~ The Missoula City Band 2025 Concert Series (Bonner Park - Schedule/FLYER)

• June 19th ~ Juneteenth

• June 19 - 22nd ~ ​HELENA: American Legion Montana Department Convention (with Golf Scramble 6/21). Members interested in attending must request registration forms from Department Headquarters by emailing amlegmtsec@gmail.com. All convention registrations are due prior with deposits (106th National Convention 8/22 - 8/28 in FL: This annual event is an incredible opportunity for members to engage in the business of The American Legion, connect with fellow Legionnaires from across the country, and celebrate our shared mission of service to Veterans, their families, and our communities. Montana delegates will stay at the Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa).

• June 20 - August 3rd ~ Veteran & First Responder Retreats by Veterans Victory Alliance (Facebook FLYER). 

• June 22nd ~ GI Bill Signed (1944)

• June 22nd ~ Missoula Summer MADE Fair. Featuring local and regional artists at Caras Park.

• June 25th ~ Start of the Korean War (1950)

• June 28th ~ Missoula Marathon Workplace Wellness Challenge​

• June 30th ~ Nation of Patriots at GHD in Missoula. "A proud military town in Big Sky Country, Missoula welcomes the Patriot Tour with open arms. Join us as we honor those who served and carry the flag through Montana’s scenic highways." (FB picture or website: Follow their tour stops throughout the U.S.)

• July 3rd ~ The Annual Collector’s Sale is 7/4 (see below), so Tate will need help moving items out of the museum on the 3rd *DINNER PROVIDED - Contact Tate +1 406-239-7738, Militarymuseu45@hotmail.com

• July 4th ~ Independence Day & Annual Freedom Run in Bigfork by Grateful Nation (Helping the children of fallen Montana Heroes)

• July 4th ~ Camp Patriot 4th of July Fun Run ~ Registration is open for the 15th year! (Camp Patriot is in Libby; however, run in Pasco, WA)

• July 4th ~ 24th Annual Collector's Sale at RMMMH, Bldg T-316 (Fort Missoula), 7am - 4pm, SAR/DAR Encampment & 4th at the Fort! Donations of quality sale items are always welcome (antiques, antlers, beadwork, books, camping gear, cast iron cookware, chaps, Christmas decorations, dishes, firearms, hunting/fishing equipment, CLEAN household items, knives, lamps, musical instruments, old toys, paintings, quality furniture, saddles / tack, sporting goods, trunks, wagon wheels, exercise equipment, carpentry / woodworking tools, etc.). PLEASE NO non-working appliances, fabric furniture, metal office furniture, luggage, used auto parts, clothing, kitchen plastics, sheets, vacuums, old computers, or baby gear. For FREE pick up, call Tate 406-239-7738 or Hayes 406-549-4817. 

• July 9 - 11th ~ The 2025 Veterans Conference, Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C. The Veterans Conference focuses on “Serving Those Who Served,” and features learning opportunities for staff from state workforce agencies and partner organizations who serve Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses (Call for Presenters).

• July 11 - 17th ~ DEADLINE: The Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) takes applications right up until the week before (Next cycle begins July 21st). Steve, "The catch is that we have had a waiting list the past 3 cycles and expect another waiting list this Summer." APPLY Questions: Steve Love – Admissions Counselor Western Montana 406-925-3894, steve.love@mycacademy.org

• July 19th ~ Alberton Railroad Day Festival + Car Show  (FB FLYER)

• July 26th ~ ADA Signed (1990)

• July 27th ~ End of the Korean War (1953)

• July 31st ~ JCF Montana Summer BBQ, JFK Park, East Helena -Questions: Steve 406-461-7971, leadership@montanajcf.org

• August 6th ~ Bitterroot Valley Job Fair, Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Questions: Bitterroot College +1 406-375-0100, Kristina.berger@mso.umt.edu

• August 7th ~ Purple Heart Day

• August 15th ~ MonTECH is proud to announce: MontCOMM '25 will feature Rachael Langley! Content is primarily for speech pathologists, educators, occupational therapists, BCBAs, and other professionals, but all are welcome.

• August 16th ~ Montana Ride to Remember (Facebook)

• August 23rd ~ Walk to Defeat ALS, McCormick Park in Missoula (FLYER)

• August 27 - 30th ~ Ravalli County Fair in Hamilton. This beloved annual event draws thousands of attendees from all over the region, providing a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with you community and expand your reach. As a vendor you will have access to a prime location within the Fairgrounds, promotional opportunities and the chance to engage with a diverse audience eager to discover new product and services. To reserve your booth and learn more about vendor opportunities at our venue, please contact Melissa at 406-363-3411 or email msaville@rc.mt.gov​​

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​NOW: UM MVSO ~ Student Veterans are assisting Project Healing Waters with new chapters in Missoula and at the University of Montana. Please take a moment to fill out the Project Healing Waters Survey.  

Questions: Pat Beckwith - Director, Military & Veteran Services Office (MVSO) 1000 E Beckwith Ave., Missoula (406) 243-2500 / 243-5744, patrick.beckwith@mso.umt.edu

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NOW: Farmer Veteran Coalition HIVE Program ~ FVC will be hosting the Holistic Impactful Veteran Engagement (H.I.V.E.) program, a 12-day course. This program is designed to give Veterans and service members the skills to begin in farming and ranching as well as having behavioral health support. Space is limited! Click the link to apply. We also recommend listening to Recovery Talks' podcast to learn more about the program. Learn more by visiting our website (FLYER)

Questions: +1 855-382-3276, support@farmvetco.org

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NOW: Veteran and Family Engagement Group ~ The VA is recruiting for a Veteran and Family Engagement Group for a project that is focused on improving nursing care at the Veterans Health Administration. Perspectives can help improve care for all veterans by ensuring research addresses real issues that are meaningful to you, reaches the bedside faster so you all can benefit quicker, and is guided by your experiences. The project focuses on key areas over 5 years:

• Nursing Work Environment: Have you noticed poor communication, noise, or other challenges while receiving care?

• Care Coordination: Was your care smooth between hospital stays, primary care, or specialists? Did you understand and have everything you needed to take care of you.

• Nurse Staffing: How staffing levels affected your experience.

• Pressure Injuries: improving how nurses help manage and prevent these injuries.

If interested, contact Chantele 412-360-6250, Chantele.Mitchellmiland@va.gov

Thanks for sharing, Matthew “Doc” Campbell, BSM, MBA, ACHE (LinkedIn) - VetResources Community Network Consultant, Community Veterans Engagement Board Liaison / Veterans Experience Office (VEO) 765-439-0243, matthew.campbell@va.gov

• Click here to download the VA Welcome Kit Whether you’re just getting out of the military or have been a civilian for many years, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you have earned.

• Sign up for the #VetResources Newsletter A weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

• Discover valuable VA Outreach Events Explore FREE events for all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

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NOW: Veterans Long-Term Care Needs Assessment ~ Montana Veterans, Your Long-Term Independence Is Our Priority: Your service to our country is unparalleled. Now, it’s our turn to serve you. We are working to improve Montana’s long-term care services network. Beyond traditional care, we’re talking about personalized support — from in-home assistance to community connections, all designed to uphold your independence as you age. Survey extended! Learn more about Montana DPHHS.

Questions: Nann Parrett - Research Analyst, Montana DPHHS Senior and Long-Term Care Division (406) 444.1956, Nann.Parrett@mt.gov

 

NOW: Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT), Tomlinson Plaza, 1018 Burlington Ave., Ste 100, Missoula

The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT) is a non-profit with the mission of creating a better future for those impacted by brain injury through awareness, support, advocacy, community engagement, and prevention. Don't miss the Big Sky Challenge Walk/Roll/Stroll 5K & Family Fun Run (on May events page - REGISTER). Learn more about BIAMT

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Montana Veterans ~ This program was designed because a large number of our Veterans in Montana are dealing with diagnosed and undiagnosed brain injuries, concussions, and PTSD. Motivated by the higher than normal suicide rate that Montana Veterans experience, we started this program to offer some much-needed support to these veterans and their families. HBOT will be provided on a sliding scale fee. Our focus will be to help veterans, including those that are homeless, but we will also be working with all Montana brain injury survivors. Forbes Health Learn more. 

• 7/12 Big Sky Challenge Hike, Montana Snowbowl. Choose from a variety of hike lengths—or come hang out at Base Camp with the BIAMT crew if you’d prefer to relax and connect instead. REGISTER Enjoy a registration discount when you sign up for both events today! We are so grateful for the continued support of our community. We couldn’t do this important work without you.

Questions: Hannah 406-541-6442, hannah@biamt.org OR John Bigart III - Executive Director Cell 406-207-4520, john_b@biamt.org

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NOW through 12/2025: Fundraiser for BS4V ~ NEW Charitable 501(c) Foundation, “4-Veterans-Plus-Mont.” RAFFLE: 43 total prizes and you can see the list of prizes and the Winners at 4-veterans-plus-mont.com The tickets are $20 each, 3 for $50 and 6 for $100. The first 300 people who purchase a bundle of 6, receive an additional ticket which makes them eligible for an early bird drawing.

“SPOTLIGHT CHARITY” for 2025: Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans Inc 501c3 (Phillipsburg)

TICKETS: Call James Bobbit 406-240-9742

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6/6 - 6/8 & 7/18 - 7/20 Moral Injury ~ Healing Wounded Souls

Two opportunities to support Veterans and their communities through education and healing programs focused on moral injury.

What is Moral Injury? Moral injury occurs when a person perpetrates, fails to act, or witnesses an act that goes against deeply held values. It is not PTSD but can result in feelings of shame, guilt, grief, depression, substance abuse, relationship struggles, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. You are not alone in this experience, and help is available.

• 6/6 - 6/8 WHITEFISH: Veteran Retreat ~ Through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, VOA is offering free retreats for Veterans to address moral injury and related struggles such as shame, guilt, grief, depression, and more. These retreats provide a safe, supportive environment for Veterans to heal and connect (Whitefish June 6-8; Rapid City, SD June 6-8; Burgess Junction, WY June 6-8; Cody, WY July 18-20). Lodging, meals, and experiences are fully covered. MORE INFO: VOANR.org/Services/MI-Retreats or email MoralInjury@voanr.org

Bre, “These events are excellent resources for organizations, healthcare providers, and faith communities working with veterans. We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word to those who may benefit from these opportunities. Thank you for your continued support in serving our veterans.” Questions: Breanna Rodriguez, MBA - US Navy Veteran, Western Montana Moral Injury Specialist, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies 406-926-3600, C 406-529-1857, Breanna.Rodriguez@voanr.org

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6/6 Jaden Decker LIVE ~ Jaden's moving to Nashville! Check out the full schedule and ticket info at Jaden's website.  ​​​

• 6/6 Darby, Montana - Stoked to be a part of this lineup for the Darby Music Festival! (FLYER)

Questions: Jaden Decker, jadendeckermgmt@gmail.com OR Clint Decker – Army Veteran & Founder of Clark Fork Entertainment (406) 214-5541, cfe406@gmail.com

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6/20 - 6/22/2025 American Legion of Montana​

• 6/20 - 6/22 American Legion Department of Montana Convention will be held in Helena ~ Join us for a weekend filled with camaraderie, inspiring speakers, and important updates as we come together to honor our veterans and strengthen our community. Facebook

Questions: Erin Carpenter - Office Manager, American Legion of Montana 406-324-3990, amlegmtsec@gmail.com

OR Alex Vogel – District #5 Commander (Meetings at the Eagles, Missoula) 406-303-1567, alexv1@hotmail.com

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8/2 ARLEE: JD & The Western Front Band ~ Summer Concert, Cattle Lack Ranch, 69304 Plant Ln (Off of South Valley Creek Rd), Arlee

An evening of cowboy wisdom and song by The Bellamy Brothers....Tickets $40 each + overnight camping available!

The Warrior's Table honors the service and sacrifice of Marine Corps PFC Andrew Bedard, a Missoula, Montana native killed in action in Iraq in 2005. Disabled Veterans who can produce a valid DD214 will be allowed entry at no charge. Handicap parking provided.

100 tickets will be offered on a first come, first served basis.  

* UPDATE from Jeff (JD) 4/15/25, “I have set aside 100 tickets to give away to disabled Veterans for the Bellamy concert. I've given away 10, so there's 90 left. Parking is free, and front row seating is available. Our facility is smooth, so wheelchairs get along well.”

Questions: Jeff “JD” Daniel - Army Veteran 406-396-5238, jdroper65@yahoo.com (Facebook)

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8/24 - 8/25 BUTTE: ORIENTATION for CNC & Welding Certifications

Operation NEXT – Butte VSP Meeting, “To date approximately 100 students have worked through the program completing certifications in CNC and Welding. Offering these programs to Veterans and their direct dependents free of charge. The scholarship cost to complete these classes averages out to be about $5,200 per student with about $500,000 spent on funding the program. They are a non-profit and these funds are donated by generous contributions throughout state, federal, and private donations. It takes approximately 4 ½ months to complete the program and they are slated to start the next class in August.” Learn more: Operation Next Montana

Questions: Ben Kohler - Director of Strategy, Next Frontier Advanced Manufacturing Institute (NFAMI) 406-565-0190, bkohler@utrs.com

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September - December

• September 1st ~ Labor Day

• September 2nd ~ VJ Day (1945)

• September 4 - 7th ~ Clash of the Carvers in LIBBY (FLYER)

• September 11th ~ Patriot Day

• September 13th ~ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Missoula Out of the Darkness Walk

• September 13th ~ Hope Rescue Mission’s gravel charity ride for the homeless, "HopeSufferFest" 9am-4pm (FB).

• September 19th ~ POW/MIA Recognition Day

• September 20th & 21st ~ Missoula Renaissance Festival (Facebook event)

• September 23rd ~ Rosh Hashanah

• September 26th ~ Bandana Ball, 6pm. Support the Ronald McDonald House of Missoula!

• September 28th ~ Gold Star Mother's Day

• October 2nd ~ Yom Kippur

• October (TBA) ~ SKC Job EXPO! Questions: Justin.Kendhammer@mt.gov

• October 13th ~ Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples Day

• October 14th ~ Cuban Missile Crisis Begins (1962)

• October 23rd ~ Beirut Barracks Bombings (1983)

• October 25th ~ U.S. Invades Grenada (1983)

• October 31st ~ Halloween

• November 2nd ~ Daylight Savings Time Ends

• November 4th ~ Election Day

• November 11th ~ Veterans Day

• November 27th ~ Thanksgiving Day

• December 7th ~ Pearl Harbor Day (1941)

• December 13th ~ WAA (See 12/13 below)

• December 14th ~ Hanukkah

• December 15th ~ Bill of Rights Day

• December 16th ~ Battle of the Bulge (1944)

• December 25th ~ Christmas Day

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9/12 - 9/13 UM Military Reunion & Appreciation Game

The University of Montana proudly invites you to join us in honoring and thanking our alumni and UM-affiliated Veterans — those who have served in the past and serve our country today — and their families. Reunion activities will take place Sept. 12-13, 2025. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on registration. Be sure to confirm your military affiliation to stay connected!

• Friday, Sept. 12: Check-in, campus tour & reunion reception.

• Saturday, Sept. 13: Reunion tailgate; Football game - Military Appreciation; Participation in pre-game and in-game honoring of Veterans​​​

Questions: ​(406) 243-5211 Toll Free: (877) 862-5867 OR alumni@umontana.edu

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12/13 Wreaths Across America

Join the mission at one of the thousands of participating locations across the nation! Sponsor a wreath!

Did you know that 10 balsam bouquets make up each Veteran’s wreath, and each one has a meaning? 

• BELIEF in a greater good

• LOVE for each other

• STRENGTH, work ethic, and character

• HONESTY & integrity

• HUMILITY, selflessness & modesty

• AMBITIONS & aspirations

• OPTIMISM for America

• CONCERN for the future

• PRIDE in duties

• HOPES & DREAMS that didn’t always come true but left them with no regrets.

Follow on Facebook​ LOCAL Questions: Vanessa – Three Rangers Foundation, WMMOA, and Missoula WAA, berry_vanessa@ymail.com

 

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​****** END of VSN EVENTS ******

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