Montana Western Honors Veterans in Bulldog Community
November 10, 2026
The University of Montana Western is proud to recognize and honor the veterans within its Bulldog community this Veterans Day. Their service represents years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to protecting our country.
This year, Montana Western is highlighting the military experiences of six members of its campus community, recognizing the different paths they took and the roles they served during their time in the military.
Duane “Bearcat” Pyeatt | U.S. Navy
Pyeatt served 20 years in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 2007, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. His career included Explosive Ordnance Disposal, specialized welding and maintenance, and training assignments at naval installations across the country and aboard the USS Frederick.
Tara Jo Brannigan | U.S. Air Force
Brannigan served in the U.S. Air Force from 1990 to 1991 as a Medical Service Specialist at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Her service took place during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm era, and she received the National Defense Service Medal in recognition of her active-duty service.
James Ritter | U.S. Navy
Ritter served in the U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2009 as a Third Class Aviation Boatswain’s Mate. Stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, he served aboard the USS George Washington and USS Kitty Hawk, supporting aircraft launch and recovery operations. During his service, he also earned the distinction of becoming a Trusty Shellback, a title awarded through a longstanding naval tradition.
Tom Nichols | U.S. Navy
Nichols served in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1991 as an Electrician’s Mate (E-5). After completing specialized nuclear power training, he served aboard the USS Haddock, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. His service included deployments throughout the Pacific and an extended period of 63 consecutive days underwater. He later continued his service as a Navy reservist in Butte, Montana.
Grady Holt | U.S. Army
Holt served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2012, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He served with Task Force Troy during Operation Iraqi Freedom before becoming a Training Noncommissioned Officer with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 415th Infantry, where he helped prepare fellow soldiers for service.
Nick Gutcheck | U.S. Marine Corps
Gutcheck served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005, attaining the rank of Sergeant. As an Infantryman with the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism), he supported the Marine Corps’ mission of protecting and defending the nation.
Montana Western is grateful to each of these individuals for their service and sacrifice. The university also recognizes that some veterans within the campus community prefer not to be publicly identified, and that others may not have been included in this year’s recognition.
Our appreciation extends to every veteran among Montana Western’s faculty, staff and students. The university welcomes the opportunity to hear more stories and learn about the military experiences of its Bulldog community members so they can continue to be recognized in the future.
To all who have served, Montana Western thanks you for your service.
