September 20, 2016

40-year military veteran recognized as September Veteran of the Month

Neil Harris is Rapid City's Veteran of the Month for September.  Pictured from left: Council President Brad Estes, Harris, Mayor Steve Allender, Council member Darla Drew. Neil Harris is Rapid City's Veteran of the Month for September. Pictured from left: Council President Brad Estes, Harris, Mayor Steve Allender, Council member Darla Drew. (City Photo)

Neil Edward Harris, whose military service spanned parts of five decades and who continues to serve veterans in a variety of activities, is Rapid City's Veteran of the Month for September.

            Harris was honored at the September 19 City Council meeting.

            His military service time spanned 40 years, four months and nine days.  He spent years in the US Army and the South Dakota National Guard.  He retired in 2006 and has spent the past decade in service to veterans in a variety of capacities.

            Harris enlisted in the US Army in March 1966, serving at Ft. Knox, Ft. Benning and West Germany.  He would serve 11 years with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery with the 147th Field Artillery Group in Pierre.  In 1983, Harris began a full-time technician career with the South Dakota Army National Guard.

            After spending a couple years with the 740th Transportation Company in Aberdeen, Harris came to Rapid City, serving 21 years in numerous capacities at the South Dakota Army National Guard Headquarters at Camp Rapid.  His duties included computer operator, administrative non-commission officer, enlisted records manager, incentive manager, acting state education officer and over 10 years as senior military personnel specialist.  He served as unit first sergeant and acting state command sergeant major, retiring in 2006 as master sergeant/first sergeant/E8.

            After retiring from the Guard in 2006, Harris became a life member of the Enlisted Association of the United States, the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association, TREA (The Retired Enlisted Association), VFW, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the American Legion and American Legion Riders.  He serves as National Veteran Service Committee Chairman for the Rapid City Elks Lodge and Vice President and National Veteran Service Committee Chairman for the South Dakota State Elks Association.  He is past chairman and secretary of the South Dakota Veterans Cemeteries Support Council, serving as chairman during the fundraising and installation of the Avenue of Flags at Black Hills National Cemetery.

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