Crapo Honors 23 Idaho Veterans and Volunteers with Spirit of Freedom Award

Press release from Sen. Mike Crapo, Nov. 12, 2026. This version is cut for length to the two Pocatello honorees; the full list of 23 is in the original.

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced 23 Idahoans will be recognized with the 2026 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Each year, veterans organizations and community members across the state nominate Idaho veterans and volunteers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving our nation and supporting its veterans and military families.

“Recognizing the remarkable service of Idahoans through the Spirit of Freedom Award has given me an opportunity to spotlight some of the great compassion and heroism demonstrated across our state,” said Crapo. “These honorees have gone above and beyond in service to our nation and in support of our veterans, and their continued commitment to serving others reflects the very best of Idaho.”

Since Crapo created the award in 2002, 447 Spirit of Freedom Awards have been presented. Each recipient will receive a certificate for their service as well as a United States flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol building. Nominations for the 2027 Spirit of Freedom Service Award can be submitted by contacting Courtney Lehosit in Crapo’s Boise office.

• Cody De Los Reyes, Pocatello: Bannock County Veterans Services nominated Cody De Los Reyes, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years, earning the rank of senior master sergeant and a long list of military recognitions. They include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Air and Space Commendation Medal; and Air and Space Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Prior to retiring from the military, Cody served as the Air Transportation Flight Chief for the 67th Aerial Port Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, among his many other assignments. He was deployed four times, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Unified Response in Port-au Prince, Haiti, and as part of the International Security Assistance Force. Cody currently works as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs-Veteran Outreach Specialist and previously served as Veterans Clinic Supervisor.

• Monte Cache Hibbert, Pocatello: Bannock County Veterans Services nominated Monte Hibbert, who served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. Monte’s military service included an 18-month deployment in 2004-2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III as a public affairs officer with the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Brigade Combat Team. Monte retired as a major from the Idaho Army National Guard in 2009 and was honored as the Military Person of the Year in 2018. Among his many other recognitions for his military service, Monte was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal for more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Armed Forces of the United States. Monte works as a federal protective security officer, providing security at federal buildings. He also works as a support broker and community support worker, helping adults with disabilities access services. Additionally, Monte is an Eagle Scout and has received recognition for his service in Scouting America. He also volunteers as a 4-H leader, a Master Gardener and with the Girl Scouts.

Read the original release: Crapo Honors 23 Idaho Veterans and Volunteers with Spirit of Freedom Award.