Gianforte announces Spirit of Montana Recipient: Jack Stenswick of Malta

WASHINGTON – Congressman Greg Gianforte recognized Jack Stenswick of Malta with his Spirit of Montana commendation for overcoming the challenges he has faced to serve as a beloved pillar of Malta and the town's goodwill ambassador.

One of Malta's most known and loved figures, Jack warmly greets and talks with everyone he sees. He volunteers for local service projects and supports almost every civic event, celebration, or activity in town.

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 honorees.

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 follows:

RECOGNIZING JACK STENSWICK OF MALTA

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Stenswick of Malta who serves as his town's goodwill ambassador.

A lifelong Malta resident, Jack is one of the town's most known and loved figures. He warmly greets and talks with everyone he sees, whether he's walking around town or riding his three-wheel cycle, a gift from the people of Malta.

"Jack definitely embodies the spirit of Montana," says Dina Sainato-Meneely, Executive Director at Malta Opportunities, Inc. (MOI). "He's so well-known, and well-liked that it might take him all afternoon to go to the store and back. He is undoubtedly our town's goodwill ambassador, and certainly a good ambassador for people with developmental disabilities."

Though developmental disabilities may present challenges, Jack Stenswick overcomes them and has never allowed them to limit his natural ability to make others feel welcome and loved.

A member of the Knights of Columbus, Jack volunteers for local service projects through the organization and his local church. Supporting almost every civic event, celebration, or activity in town, he greets everyone by name and shares the joy of their friendship.

"Anybody who has been to Malta will know Jack, and you can't help but like him," says Dave Rummel, who helps supervise Jack as a groundskeeper for the cemetery, one of the many places Jack has worked in Malta through MOI.

"He's Malta's unofficial town greeter," Rummel said. "Everyone likes to spend time with him. Even folks from miles away remember Jack and are always glad to see him."

Madam Speaker, for overcoming the challenges he has faced to serve as a beloved pillar of Malta and the town's goodwill ambassador, I recognize Jack Stenswick for his spirit of Montana.