He served six years in Army Reserves, but he’s not a considered a veteran by the government

Columbia Falls Mayor Don Barnhart served in the Army Reserves in the 390th Engineering Company from November 1971 to November 1977.

He went through basic and advanced training, and served with the company the first weekend of every month and then a two week summer detail ever year as well.

During his service, Barnhart learned to operate water purification systems, which, at the time, were used to treat water for the Vietnam War.

At any time, he could have been called up for active duty.

But he was not. He received the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged.

For years, he assumed he was a veteran. Marched in parades with fellow soldiers.

But it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that he found out he is not considered a veteran under current federal law.

Barnhart hopes Congress will pass a bill that makes himself, and thousands like him, recognized as veterans in the future.

He said he doesn’t want benefits afforded active duty veterans, he just wants to be recognized as a veteran, as someone who honorably served their country.

“It took the same oath as everyone else,” he noted during a recent interview.

Barnhart said draft legislation was started a couple of years ago, but never got anywhere.

In a recent interview, Montana Sen. Jon Tester said he would look into the matter and work with Barnhart on it.

To that end, the two have since had discussions.

The American Legion does recognize Army Reservists as veterans, confirmed John Raughter, a national Legion spokesperson in Indianapolis.

Barnhart said there had been previous concern that the Legion had opposed the legislation.

Barnhart’s family has a long list of veterans, including eight men who served in World War II.

“I joined the military because I wanted to serve the U.S. government,” he said.