Ken Liston was re-elected Commander of District 4, Department of Montana, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, on May 2, 2026, at the Spring District Meeting held in Belgrade, Montana. Ken has been a Life Member of the VFW since 2015 and is a member of VFW Post 10010 in East Helena, Montana.

Ken began his military service with the United States Army in 1971. Over the course of a 40-year career, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the Montana National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and numerous Army Reserve medical and training units. His varied assignments included service as a rifleman, combat medic, Medical NCO, Platoon Sergeant, and instructor, as well as numerous other medical and leadership positions.

In 2006, Ken deployed to Iraq with the 747th Adjutant General Company (Direct Support), overseeing personnel at locations throughout northern and central Iraq. Following his deployment, he served with the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Lewis and on temporary duty at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Ken attained the rank of First Sergeant and retired from the Army Reserve in 2011 while serving with the 4225th U.S. Army Hospital at Fort Harrison, Montana.

Ken’s military medical experience complemented a civilian career in healthcare and occupational safety. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Montana Tech and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing through the University of Washington system. A Registered Nurse since 1987, Ken has worked primarily in trauma care and is the owner of Montana Industrial Occupational Safety & Health, an industrial hygiene consulting firm.

Ken is married to Julie Liston, a registered nurse and nursing instructor at Carroll College in Helena. Their family includes their son, Ken; daughter, Libby; son-in-law, Luke Riggins; and five grandchildren.