Gianforte announces Spirit of Montana recipient: Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd

Press release

WASHINGTON — Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., recognized Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd with the Spirit of Montana commendation.

For 20 years, the Barbers have volunteered their working ranch in the Bear Paw Mountains for an annual archery competition. The Barbers have also established a scholarship to benefit agriculture students at Montana State University-Northern.

Gianforte’s Spirit of Montana is a weekly recognition of Montanans for their accomplishments, dedication, or service. Gianforte highlights the recipient in the U.S. House of Representatives and personally contacts the honoree.

Gianforte encourages anyone to nominate Montanans for the Spirit of Montana award by contacting his office at 202-225-3211 or by e-mail at https://gianforte.house.gov/contact/email.

Gianforte’s statement in the Congressional Record about Frank and Bettie Barber is available at https://bit.ly/2IoSwkv and follows:

RECOGNIZING FRANK AND BETTIE BARBER

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd. Since 1998, the Barbers volunteer their working ranch in the Bearpaw Mountains to host the Bear Paw Bowmen Archery Club’s annual Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot. Last weekend marked the competition’s 20th anniversary.

  Hundreds of archers spread out over different courses throughout the Barbers’ ranch during the event. The competition ends with a community dinner.

  Proceeds support local causes. Last year, funds from the Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot helped local volunteer fire departments following the devastating East Fork Fire in the Bearpaw Mountains.

  Beyond their involvement in their local hunting community, the Barbers established a college scholarship. Since 2009, the Frank and Bettie Barber Scholarship has awarded more than $9,000 to Montana State University-Northern agriculture students. Contributions from the Barbers benefit a growing number of students and create further opportunities for agricultural education in Montana.

Frank, a retired Marine, and Bettie, the daughter of a career Navy veteran, are also well known for their love of our country.

For their dedication to their community, commitment to agriculture scholarship, and generosity, I recognize Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd for representing the spirit of Montana.