Local Legion riders escort remains of veteran to Helena

Members of Belgrade’s American Legion Riders helped escort the remains of a military veteran to his final resting place in Helena in recent days.

The veteran, Tyler Nick Work, of Lewistown, served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2012. He was with the Special Forces and was deployed to Iraq twice and to Afghanistan once. He died unexpectedly on Dec. 23, 2025, at age 39.

“He was a soldier, a son, and a brother that will be truly missed,” reads a May 21 social media post by Bobbi Marie Plaggemeyer-Rouns, a friend of Work's who chose the urn for his cremains. “His infectious smile and giggle could brighten even the darkest of rooms even while suffering from his own battles and the war within.”

Work was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and kindness, according to his obituary.

“Tyler was a person who made a lasting impression on everyone he met,” reads the obituary. “He found joy in many hobbies, making others laugh, and taking the time to get to know others. His presence was a source of comfort and happiness to his friends and family.”

After his military service, Work had moved to Lewistown to be closer to some of the people he had served with, according to reporting in the Lewistown News-Argus, a sister paper of The Belgrade News.

Upon learning Work’s family needed help arranging a final resting place for him, Lewistown American Legion Riders volunteered to help. Lewistown Legion Riders Derek Manseau, Steve Mattheis, Steve Smith, and Phil Econom organized the honor escort, and Legion Riders from other parts of the state – including Belgrade’s American Legion Riders Chapter 30 – joined the procession along the way.

The escort started in Lewistown on the morning of May 15 and went along a route that passed through Harlowton and White Sulphur Springs. In White Sulphur Springs, police and firefighters provided an escort, and the Town Pump gave participants free gasoline. A helicopter escorted the procession from town to the county line. In East Helena, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office provided an escort to Fort Harrison.

“Along the way, riders joined us at each community, and we ended up with 24 by the time we got to Fort Harrison cemetery,” said Mattheis as quoted by Deb Hill of the News-Argus.

Work’s sister placed his remains in a niche in the above-ground columbarium wall at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, where he was laid to rest with full military honors.

“No matter the miles between Chapters, today they ride united in respect, remembrance, and brotherhood,” reads a May 15 statement from the American Legion Riders Department of Montana. “Tyler served his country with honor, and now the Riders community will stand beside him on this final journey.”