Service members are well aware of the term “selfless service,” which refers to the act of thinking about others before yourself.

One person who personifies this term is Aaron Neely, psychology junior.

Neely is the current president of the Student Veterans Organization.

Although Neely has been separated from duty in the Navy Fleet Marine Force for more than two years now, he still feels obligated to help fellow veterans.

“The first two years out of military service is very critical,” Neely said. “I saw the need to help fellow veterans and keep them out of harm’s way.”

Neely has been SVO president since the spring.

“Aaron is a great mentor for veterans and helps out a lot of people,” Zach Holland, 26, veteran, said.

Neely helps others as much as he can but said he needed his hands to be busy, as well.

“My divorce was a big turning point for me,” Neely said. “My ex-wife and daughter moved to California, and I was alone.”

Neely said he had no idea that watching television one day would change his life.

“I remember seeing a commercial for the IAVA, which stands for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America,” he said.

Neely described a commercial where a soldier comes home from war with no one to greet him, and a former soldier shaking his hand to welcome him home.

“The commercial made me realize that others were in my situation and I wasn’t alone,” Neely said. “I started doing grassroots stuff in the community and witnessed guys shooting drugs and looking wacked-out.”

Neely said he saw the need for veterans to be around positive and productive people.

“Dale Brown sought me out and encouraged me to take a position in the SVO,” Neely said. “This was a critical point where veterans needed to help each other out. We have to keep each other on track.”

Neely calls the SVO’s efforts “the mission at home.”

The SVO serves with four key words in mind — honesty, humility, pride and devotion. Neely said he saw the need to create a positive environment for veterans throughout the area.

“When veterans return from service, they’re often asked uncomfortable and insensitive questions, such as did you kill anyone? Did you lose a loved one? How many friends of yours died?” Neely said.

Neely said he knows what questions can trigger mental issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Veterans do not need to be around unsafe environments,” Neely said.

During times of war, the military has a policy of not leaving anyone behind.

Back at home, Neely said he has a similar mission.

“Many people are lost in drugs, illness or simply hang out with the wrong crowd,” Neely said. “They might be alive, but they’re lost.”

As SVO president, Neely said he wants all student veterans to know each other.

“Just taking time to say ‘Hi,’ and introduce yourself can mean the world to someone,” Neely said. “We’re in the process of providing veterans with proper monetary knowledge, such as conducting a budget and making sure they get all of their
benefits.”

By GARRETT TAYLOR

Staff

gartaylo@imail.iu.edu