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Montana veterans proving 'No one gets left behind'

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Montana veterans proving 'No one gets left behind'


HELENA — A core part of the U.S. military is a commitment, “no one gets left behind.” But the realities of war can complicate that promise. Three Montana veterans recently helped a fallen marine come home, 80 years after his death.

“We always try to bring those people home, whenever there’s a chance we will. That’s what we do,” said Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars volunteer Tim Sowa.

Sowa joined the Marine Corps in 1971 and did a three-year tour as a generator mechanic in places like Okinawa and Thailand. He then served in the Marine Corps Reserve for 10 years. Following that, he served in the Montana Army National Guard for 27 years before retiring in 2011.

Courtesy: Tim Sowa

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He recently returned from Kiribati where he participated in the return of the remains of a Marine who died in the Battle of Tarawa. He was joined by Fred Hamilton and Mike Pryor also with Montana VFW.

The remnants of Japanese and American forces still stand in Tarawa Atoll more than a half-century since the end of World War II.

The Battle of Tarawa was the first American Offensive in the Central Pacific region, with the intent of capturing Japanese-held territory within the Gilbert Islands.

Battle of Tarawa

Library of Congress

It was also the first time U.S. forces faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing.

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On November 20, 35,000 troops from the U.S. 2nd Marine Division and the Army’s 27th Infantry Division assaulted Tarawa. After 76 hours the United States had taken the island, but at a significant cost.

There were 1,020 U.S. personnel reported missing or killed during the Battle of Tarawa. A reported 4,836 Japanese troops died, with only 17 survivors.

Capture of Betio

Library of Congress

The trip to Kiribati was a long time in the making. Sowa says in 2019, Montana VFW Adjutant Tim Peters met with the Department of Accountability about going with History Flight to Kiribati. But the even best-laid plans can be impacted by a worldwide pandemic. When all was said and done the trip was rescheduled for November, 2023.

“It turns out it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Battle [of Tarawa],” explained Sowa.

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The Montana veterans participated in the 80th-anniversary commemoration ceremony alongside members of the Marine Corps, U.S. Ambassador Marie C. Damourand, and the President of Kiribati Taneti Maamau.

Montana veterans with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau

Montana VFW

Sowa, Hamilton and Pryor also honored the marine as his remains were sent to Hawaii for identification.

“You’re humbled to know that that person gave his life for you,” explained Sowa. “And when we sent him on the plane you’re humbled again, and then when we walked the beaches you’re really humbled to know what they went through. You’re walking there but you don’t have bullets or shells or explosions around you.”

Remnants of WWII on Tarawa

Courtesy: Tim Sowa

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For the last decade, History Flight has been working with the Department of Accountability to identify more than 600 remains of the Marines killed during the battle of Tarawa, but there are still hundreds of Marines who died during the battle who are unaccounted for.

Of the U.S. Forces that died, most were buried in makeshift graveyards on the island with identifying markers. However, the markers were removed so Navy construction could build airfields and other infrastructure. In 1949, the U.S. government informed the families the remaining bodies, hundreds in total, on Tarawa were unrecoverable.

History Flight hasn’t accepted that answer and worked with involved governments to continue to identify and recover remains, even buying out homes so that remains can be recovered.

Remains of U.S. servicemen heading home

Courtesy: Tim Sowa

Sowa says he is thankful for the opportunity and commitment the involved organizations and governments have shown to help identify remains and get them back home.

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“Thanks to the State of Montana VFW for letting us go to that and everybody that was contributing to that,” noted Sowa. “Just… It showed their warmth and their devotion to bringing people home, and that’s what matters to us, taking care of our veterans be they alive of dead and bringing them back.”





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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana

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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana


On a frosty morning in late December, Marce Hoffman backs two huge draft horses out of a barn at the historic 320 Ranch south of Big Sky.

“Step up, step up,” Hoffman instructs the horses as he maneuvers them toward a waiting sled. It’s time to take the animals out for a turn on a trail they’ll know well by the end of the winter season. They’ll tread the path up to seven days a week during the holidays and five days a week after that. The animals strain in their harnesses, eager to pull and run.

“They’re fresh. They won’t be fresh come New Year’s, though; they’ll be all muscled up, ready to go,” said Hoffman.

MTN News

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The 320 has a long history. It was homesteaded as two separate ranches more than 125 years ago.

“1912 they combined them to form 320 acres That’s how the ranch became known as the 320,” explained Hoffman as he practiced the history lesson he gives while narrating the ride through the high, narrow valley the ranch is nestled in, just outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

In 1936, Bozeman doctor Carolyn McGill purchased the ranch.

Hoffman said, “She fell in love with this area on different hunting trips, trips down into the Yellowstone Park.”

You might recognize McGill’s name from somewhere else.

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“Caroline started the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman; was actually called the McGill Museum when it first opened up,” said Hoffman.

Current owner Dave Bass purchased the ranch in 1985.

Hoffman explained that’s when the ranch really began to grow into a tourist Mecca. He said, “He (Bass) bought it up from a 20 gust capacity over 200 that we have today.” He pointed to cabins that drifted by, framed by the mountains and the Gallatin River. It’s the view guests get as they take a one-hour trail ride in the sleighs. Hoffman ticked off the sights: “You get to see Cinnamon Mountain, Burnt Top Mountain. We’ll be able to see the Spanish Peaks when we go along the Gallatin here. Looking back you’ve got a view of Monument.”

marce hoffman.jpg

MTN News

Marce Hoffman

As he drives onto a flat, straight stretch of the trail, the horses get frisky. “These guys are gonna air out right here,” he cautioned, just as the horses break into a run. It demonstrated the challenge of managing big Percheron horses around guests.

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“Our number one priority is keeping everybody safe. So we always have to be constantly looking at the equipment. As far as the people, probably the hardest part is herding them up and getting them on the sleighs,” Hoffman laughed as he allowed that it is probably harder to manage the passengers than the animals.

Sitting next to him, Head Wrangler Logan McDaniel said she enjoyed working at the ranch.

Logan McDaniel.jpg

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Logan McDaniel

“I like, of course, to drive and work with the horses but also meeting people from all around the world. You get to meet people from all different parts of life, all kind of different places,” she said. “They’re here for vacation. You get to kind of realize a little bit of people’s life story. It’s pretty cool just to meet different people.”

And the horses?

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Hoffman said, “We’re looking for good disposition, you know. We’re not looking for heavy pullers we’re just looking for horses that are pretty docile and easy-going horses. They’re not gonna win any pulling competitions here.”

But these workhorses are no slouches.

“We’ll pull 18 people no problem and these guys are big horses,” said Hoffman.

He said that translates to about 18 hands and nearly 2,000 pounds each. As the horses cool down after their workout, Hoffman wiped them down and explained how these animals cope with the harsh winters at the ranch.

“You know those horses are on hay, you know free choice grass hay and water. They do pretty well. We’ve got a lean-to for them to get out of the wind. But for the most part, you know, they’re pretty hearty animals,” he said.

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320 coach horses.jpg

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By late afternoon, as dusk descends on the ranch, guests begin to wander toward a pair of the big sleighs. They board the blanket covered seats for a ride out to the other end of the valley where a wood-floored canvass tent awaits. It’s heated and features a bar serving snacks, hot cocoa, cider, and more. A fire crackles in a pit surrounded by seats outside. After a bit of rest, the passengers will climb back into the sleds for a ride back to the ranch restaurant.

Taking in the view around them, Hoffman and McDaniel reflected on their jobs. Hoffman said, “There’s a lot of people that never seen a horse or been around horses, so it’s a good opportunity to you know, to introduce them to the horses.”

McDaniel added, “It’s cool watching people fall in love with the horses. That’s why I kind of do this. It’s to see people fall in love with horses like I do.”





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Missoula Sentinel pipeline aiding Montana State's run to FCS national championship game

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Missoula Sentinel pipeline aiding Montana State's run to FCS national championship game


MISSOULA — Montana State’s path to Frisco, Texas, for the FCS national championship has been built by Treasure State natives.

For Rylan Ortt, Adam Jones and Zac Crews, that road started with the decision to become Bobcats — and spurn the hometown Montana Grizzlies — after playing high school football at Missoula Sentinel.

Tom Wylie / MTN Sports

Montana State captain Rylan Ortt stands during the coin toss of the Bobcats’ game against Idaho in the quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

“Rylan was the first guy to grow up a Griz fan and make that jump over to Bozeman for a lot of different reasons,” Sentinel football coach Dane Oliver told MTN Sports. “And so that kind of laid the foundation. And I know Zac and Adam both looked up to Rylan.

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“You know how recruiting works, if they’re having a positive experience wherever they’re at, it helps when they hear from a kid that they trust and know.”

Ortt joined Montana State in 2019 after a stellar Sentinel career playing quarterback and throwing the javelin. As the Spartans’ QB, Ortt threw for 2,098 yards and rushed for 750 yards as a senior in 2018.

In the javelin, he won the 2019 Class AA state championship with a throw of 208 feet, 8 inches.

Once in Bozeman, Ortt transitioned to safety. He redshirted in 2019, and the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the four years since, he has emerged as one of the leaders on a defense full of Montana guys.

This season, he leads the Bobcats with 75 total tackles. He’s also caught one interception and forced and recovered a fumble.

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“He sacrificed a lot for our (Sentinel) program just having to play quarterback,” said Oliver, who played for the Grizzlies and was a member of their last national title team in 2001. “And hopefully that’s helped him being a safety, and maybe the knowledge you gain from the quarterback perspective has allowed him to have success at that level.”

While Ortt has been a stalwart in MSU’s secondary, Jones has had a breakout season on offense. He burst onto the scene in the Bobcats’ season-opening come-from-behind win at FBS New Mexico when he rushed for 167 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown that sparked the fourth-quarter comeback.

Jones this season has become the most prolific freshman runner in program history, rushing for 1,134 yards and 14 touchdowns. Against Idaho in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, Jones accounted for 95 yards and four touchdowns with starting running back Scottre Humphrey sidelined.

“He’s got all the traits of what it takes to be great,” Oliver said of Jones. “You know, (Jones is successful) maybe a little earlier than I expected. I think the thing that Adam had going for him (in high school) was he was a three-sport athlete. You know, he was a heck of a baseball player, did hockey and football.

“He was always physical. … He’s got the hockey nature, so he’s not afraid of contact. But he’s put on some weight. He can finish runs, always falls forward, he’s got great vision. He’s got all the qualities of a back.”

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Montana State vs. South Dakota

Slim Kimmel / MTN Sports

Montana State’s Adam Jones (23) and Zack Black (50) celebrate after the Bobcats defeated South Dakota in a semifinal game of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

Jones, Crews and fellow Cats Dylan Rollins and J.J. Dolan each played a part in helping Sentinel win Class AA state football championships in 2020 and 2021. Prior to the 2020 title, the Spartans’ last championship came in 1972.

Crews, a sophomore, has turned into a contributor on the defensive line with 24 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Dolan is a redshirt freshman, and Rollins, the 2020 Gatorade Montana player of the year and a 2021 Sentinel grad, is a freshman after beginning his college career at BYU and serving an LDS mission.

Now they’re all part of an MSU program aiming to end its own drought and win its first national championship since 1984.

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“It’s fun to see them go on to be successful, not just the ones that play college football,” Oliver said. “It’s made me realize why I do this. It takes a lot of time and energy to coach high school football.

“So, just to see them grow into young men and have success and be fulfilled in it, whatever career they choose, and those guys are doing it on a public stage, and so obviously super rewarding for myself and all our staff to see the success they’re having.”

Montana State (15-0) will play North Dakota State (13-2) for the FCS national championship on Jan. 6.





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How North Dakota State and Montana State reached the FCS national championship game

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How North Dakota State and Montana State reached the FCS national championship game


After a thrilling 2024 season, FCS football will crown a champion when North Dakota State and Montana State battle on a Monday night. As the Bison and Bobcats near the pinnacle of the sport, let’s take a look back at their journeys.

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North Dakota State

ndsu

Regular season

North Dakota State finished the regular season 10-2, losing its first game to Colorado out of the FBS and its final game to South Dakota out of the MVFC. The season-ending loss prevented the Bison from winning the MVFC outright, but it didn’t matter as NDSU still got the No. 2 overall seed in the playoffs.

FCS playoffs

North Dakota State fought off an early scare from Abilene Christian in the second round to win by 20 points. In the quarterfinals, the Bison beat Mercer 31-7 in a game they controlled from start to finish.

Semifinal round

In the semifinals, North Dakota State defeated South Dakota State for the second time this year to advance to the championship game. Click or tap here for more on the thrilling finish.

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Bison schedule

Opponent Win/Loss Score Record Ranking (AFCA)
at Colorado L 31-26 0-1 No. 2
vs. Tennessee State W 52-3 1-1 No. 2
at ETSU W 38-5 2-1 No. 2
vs. Towson W 41-24 3-1 No. 2
at No. 15 Illinois State W 42-10 4-1 No. 2
vs. No. 6 North Dakota W 41-17 5-1 No. 2
at Southern Illinois W 24-3 6-1 No. 2
vs. No. 1 South Dakota State W 13-9 7-1 No. 2
at Murray State W 59-6 8-1 No. 1
vs. Northern Iowa W 42-19 9-1 No. 1
vs. No. 14 Missouri State W 59-21 10-1 No. 1
at No. 4 South Dakota L 29-28 10-2 No. 1
vs. (15) Abilene Christian W 51-31 11-2 No. 4
vs. (7) Mercer W 31-7 12-2 No. 4
vs. (3) South Dakota State W 28-21 13-2 No. 4

Key players this season

  • QB Cam Miller
  • RB CharMar Brown
  • RB TK Marshall
  • WR Bryce Lance
  • WR Braylon Henderson
  • TE Joe Stoffel
  • OL Mason Miller
  • OL Grey Zabel
  • DL Eli Mostaert
  • DL Kody Huisman
  • DL Loshiaka Roques
  • LB Logan Kopp
  • DB Darius Givance
  • K Griffin Crosa

North Dakota State has a reloaded roster under first-year head coach Tim Polasek. The Bison have the Jerry Rice Award winner CharMar Brown in the backfield along top-three Walter Payton Award finalist Cam Miller. The trenches are stout yet again with NFL prospect Grey Zabel on offense and All-American Eli Mostaert on defense.

Montana State

montana state

Regular season

Montana State finished the regular season 12-0 with the longest regular-season win streak in the FCS. Only two Bobcat games — an FBS win over New Mexico State and a Big Sky win over UC Davis — were within one possession.

FCS playoffs

Montana State’s dominance continued in the playoffs. The Bobcats didn’t play a close game in the first two rounds, averaging 50.5 points scored and a 32.5 margin of victory.

Semifinal round

In the semifinals, Montana State held off South Dakota to advance to the championship game. Tommy Mellott led the way offensively with 134 passing yards and a touchdown plus 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Click or tap here for more from the game.

Bobcat schedule

Opponent Win/Loss Score Record Ranking (AFCA)
at New Mexico W 35-31 1-0 No. 4
at Utah Tech W 31-7 2-0 No. 3
vs. Maine W 41-24 3-0 No. 3
vs. Mercyhurst W 52-13 4-0 No. 3
at Idaho State W 37-17 5-0 No. 3
vs. Northern Colorado W 55-17 6-0 No. 3
vs. No. 8 Idaho W 38-7 7-0 No. 3
Portland State W 44-14 8-0 No. 3
at Eastern Washington W 42-28 9-0 No. 2
vs. Sacramento State W 49-7 10-0 No. 2
at No. 4 UC Davis W 30-28 11-0 No. 2
vs. No. 10 Montana W 34-11 12-0 No. 2
vs. UT Martin W 49-17 13-0 No. 1
vs. Idaho W 52-19 14-0 No. 1
vs. South Dakota W 31-17 15-0 No. 1

Key players this season

  • QB Tommy Mellott
  • RB Scottre Humphrey
  • RB Adam Jones
  • WR Taco Dowler
  • WR Ty McCullouch
  • TE Rohan Jones
  • OL Marcus Wehr
  • OL Conner Moore
  • OL Titan Fleischmann
  • OL Cole Sain
  • DL Brody Grebe
  • DL Paul Brott
  • LB McCade O’Reilly
  • LB Danny Uluilakepa
  • DB Andrew Powdrell
  • DB Rylan Ortt
  • P Brendan Hall

Montana State is an experienced group with a mix of young talent. Adam Jones was the runner-up for the Jerry Rice Award while senior Tommy Mellott is a top-three Walter Payton Award finalist. Brody Grebe leads the defense; he finished ninth in Buck Buchanan Award voting.

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Four teams remain in the 2024 FCS championship chase: Montana State, South Dakota, South Dakota State and North Dakota State. Winning a title means something different for each one.

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