Senator Tester Nominates Diane Carlson Evans for Presidential Medal of Freedom
April 19, 2024
NAMI Montana is deeply grateful to Senator Jon Tester for nominating renowned Montana veterans advocate Diane Carlson Evans for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Diane is best known for her successful advocacy to establish the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, honoring the nurses and women of the United States who served during the Vietnam War. Her work ensured that their service and sacrifice were formally recognized at the national level.
Diane Carlson Evans’ Impact on Veterans and Mental Health Advocacy
Diane also played a critical role in NAMI Montana’s early federal veterans advocacy efforts. Her guidance and encouragement were personally invaluable during our work to improve how the Department of Defense screens service members’ mental health before and after deployments.
She demonstrated—through her own leadership—that everyday Montanans can make a national impact. For NAMI Montana, Diane’s example was powerful proof that even a small organization could drive meaningful change at the federal level.
In addition, Diane was instrumental in advocating for the creation of a Vet Center in Helena, which has since become an essential resource for combat veterans in the Helena area.
Take Action: Support This Nomination
Please consider taking a moment to send a message to the White House expressing your support for awarding Diane Carlson Evans the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
You can submit your message here:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Honoring Diane Carlson Evans with the Presidential Medal of Freedom would recognize a lifetime of service, courage, and advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families.
Thank you for taking the time to support this extraordinary Montanan.
Matt Kuntz
Executive Director
NAMI Montana