Former Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director and Wyoming National Guard Brigadier General Brian Nesvik is moving through the confirmation process with heartfelt endorsements from some of the state's heaviest hitters.

Nesvik was in Washington Wednesday for a U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing to answer questions for the senators along with two nominees for the Environmental Protection Agency. Yet he was the only nominee with people at the hearing ready to vouch for his character. Gov. Mark Gordon, and Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barasso all were available to testify.

"Brian could not be more qualified and suited to serve in this important and pivotal role," Gov. Gordon said, adding, "I really did not think Brian would ever consider this position, having just retired from the Game and Fish, but I knew he was the right person for the job, although I knew how much he was looking forward to getting back to the ranch and spending more time with his family."

During his tenure with the department, Nesvik served in various roles, including his start as a game warden, moving up to Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief, until ultimately being appointed director in 2019. 

Simultaneously to his full time job with the Wyoming Game and Fish, Gen. Nesvik served in the Wyoming Army National Guard. His service included deployments to Kuwait and Iraq with progressively more senior leaderships, culminating in his final posting as the commander of the Wyoming Army National Guard. After 35 years of service, Nesvik retired from the National Guard at the rank of Brigadier General.

Nesvik grew up in Cheyenne, graduating from Cheyenne East High School and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries biology and management from the University of Wyoming. He was selected by Game and Fish to serve as a wildlife law enforcement technician in 1995.

Sen. Barasso, R-Wyo., called Nesvik a respected and admired leader of the troops, having met him first in his military role while visiting troops in the Middle East. Nesvik earned a Bronze Star Medal by the U.S. Army for his service.

"I look forward to working with him on all these important issues and what are the very best for Wyoming and for the nation," Barrasso said.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is most impressed with Nesvik's "boots-on-the-ground" experiences and called him "Wyoming's real life Joe
Pickett."

"This is a state that loves and respects and nurtures its wildlife, and Brian Nesvik has been a true leader," she said.

Nesvik is all in on passing the confirmation process and getting to the job.

"I will serve the American people and their natural resources, specifically wildlife, fish and plants. And I will serve with honor and integrity every day," he told the committee. "I am honored by President Trump's nomination and Secretary [Douglas James] Burgum's support. And I'm thankful to all of those who have supported my potential appointment."

Nesvik is not without his opponents, however, who have called into question several decisions he made while serving as director in Wyoming.

Nesvik will be back in Washington during the first week of April as the confirmation process continues.