Senate committee advances bill to name Highway 37 for decorated veteran Danny Lee Radish

Senate Transportation Committee members voted to give a “do pass” recommendation on Senate Bill 545, which would name a stretch of Highway 37 near Eureka for retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant Danny Lee Radish.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Cuff, opened the hearing saying, “This is a very meaningful bill to me,” and described Radish’s wartime conduct and long record of local service. Proponents — including veterans’ organizations, local residents and the Montana National Guard’s top official — recounted Radish’s Silver Star citation, other awards and decades of work at a local sawmill and in community safety roles.

The measure drew multiple proponent testimonies by phone and in the hearing room, and the committee took executive action at the conclusion of testimony. Senator Logie moved a due-pass recommendation; the motion carried on a voice vote with aye-by-proxy votes recorded for several members.

Why it matters: The bill would create a named memorial highway recognizing military service and community contributions. Supporters said the dedication is particularly timely because Radish and his wife are confronting serious health issues.

Key testimony and details: Senator Cuff described actions that led to Radish’s Silver Star, saying he made repeated rescue runs during a firefight and “jumped out of the helicopter… ran through the bullets, got a hold of the wounded guy, got him back to the helicopter” on multiple trips. Duane Cunningham, adjutant for the American Legion of Montana, said the organization and its statewide membership endorse the proposal. Derek Emery, commander of VFW Post 6786 in Eureka, said the local post supports the bill and noted a Marine Corps award established in Radish’s name.

Major General J. Peter Ronek, adjutant general and director of the Montana Department of Military Affairs, provided an overview of the Silver Star medal and the federal vetting process that governs such awards; he also said the Department of Defense’s records corroborate the accounts presented.

John Swartz, maintenance administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation, testified informationally that the department would pay for the highway signs from its operations budget and estimated the cost at about $3,300. When asked about the length of the naming, Swartz and witnesses discussed that Highway 37 stretches from Libby northeast to Eureka (about 66 miles), and the sponsor said she likely intends a shorter segment near the cemetery and Radish’s local ties.

Committee action and next steps: After testimony the chairman took executive action. Senator Logie moved a due-pass recommendation on SB 545; the motion carried on a voice vote, with proxy ayes recorded. The committee sent the measure forward with that recommendation.

Context and local impact: Supporters stressed the bill’s symbolic value rather than a programmatic change. The Department of Transportation’s sign-cost estimate indicates the fiscal impact for signage would be handled within existing operations funds. Proponents also emphasized Radish’s role in workplace safety during his post-service career and his local ties to Eureka.

The committee has forwarded the bill with a recommendation to the next legislative stage; floor consideration will follow the legislature’s procedures.