Orem military veteran honored for continued community service

OREM — An Orem military veteran was recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign for the way he continues to serve his community, even after returning to civilian life.

Neil Hargrave received the honor for his volunteer work over the past 13 years as chapter service officer of the Disabled American Veterans, helping other local veterans apply for and receive service benefits. He said his community service has helped him continue to hold on to the sense of purpose he had as an active service member.

"I think that community involvement is very important. None of us can get through life entirely on our own," Hargrave said. He said the difference between existing and living — whether in the military or in civilian life — is supporting each other.

"When you're helping others, you know the old saying: 'What goes around, comes around,'" Hargrave said. "That is living, both in the service and in the community."

According to the 2021 Veterans Civic Health Index, veterans average nearly 30% more volunteer hours per year than nonveterans. They also pay 15% more in charitable donations, and 40% more of them belong to groups that work on community issues, according to the index.

"Veterans are the pillars of our communities," said Duane Sarmiento, Veterans of Foreign Wars national commander, in a statement. "Their unwavering dedication to service echoes beyond their time in the military."

Hargrave's service

Hargrave has lived in Orem for about four decades. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War, serving as an electronics technician until the end of 1981.

Later, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1983, where he served until June 2004. He was sent to Kuwait in March 2003, and later to Iraq as a cook for the National Guard's 1457th Engineer Battalion.

Hargrave said five generations of his family have served in the military: "I don't think there was a war since the country was founded that I did not have at least one ancestor fighting in," he said.

As for his community service, Hargrave likes connecting with people and helping them get the resources they need.

"It's been very enjoyable," Hargrave said. "A lot of what I'm doing … hasn't really seemed like work."

His service dog, 'Opua, a 7-year-old bearded collie, helps draw him out to be more social. 'Opua also helps him deal with post-traumatic stress disorder from his military service.

"My PTSD has made it hard, sometimes, to interact with others," Hargrave said. "('Opua) draws me out with people. This makes it easier for me to represent veterans to the public."

Overall, Hargrave said his military service was difficult, but he "wouldn't trade even one moment." He is proud to have been able to represent the Navy and Army to the community, especially through his involvement with the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"I have taught people of the necessity of our military branches, but even more than that, I have assisted many former service members to begin to receive their earned benefits," Hargrave said. "Without 'Opua, I would not have the confidence to work with them."

Veterans and their family members can use #StillServing on social media to share how they continue to impact their communities and to honor the veterans in their lives.

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