Faces of Service: Tim Hauser — Continuing the Mission Through Advocacy
For many veterans, military service becomes a lifelong commitment rather than a chapter that ends with retirement or separation from the armed forces. Few embody that commitment more than Tim Hauser, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose passion for serving others has made him one of Ohio’s leading advocates for veterans’ health, mental wellness, and suicide prevention.
A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Tim understands firsthand the sacrifices military service demands. Those experiences shaped not only his time in uniform but also the mission he has pursued ever since—to ensure that every veteran receives the care, dignity, and support they have earned.
Today, Tim serves as the Executive Director of the Veterans Assurance Network (VAN), where he works tirelessly to connect veterans with critical resources, crisis intervention services, peer support, and community partnerships throughout Northeast Ohio. Under his leadership, VAN has expanded programs across Summit, Cuyahoga, Portage, and Lake Counties, strengthening the safety net available to veterans and their families.
Tim’s advocacy has reached far beyond the local level.
He played an important role in supporting passage of the Honor Our PACT Act, working alongside veterans, families, and advocacy organizations to help secure expanded health care and benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposures. The legislation marked one of the most significant advancements in veteran health care in decades and has improved access to benefits for countless service members nationwide.
Recognizing another urgent challenge facing the veteran community, Tim also successfully championed the creation of Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in Ohio, observed annually on September 22. His efforts created an important platform for education, awareness, and action while reminding communities that veteran suicide is preventable through connection, intervention, and support.
His dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Tim was honored as Summit County’s Veteran of the Year, recognizing both his military service and his extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of fellow veterans.
Tim also continues to advocate for innovative approaches to veteran mental health, including expanding awareness of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as an evidence-based treatment option for PTSD. His focus remains on helping veterans access safe, effective care that improves quality of life and offers hope to those struggling with the invisible wounds of service.
For Tim, advocacy is about more than legislation or programs—it’s about people. Every veteran connected with resources, every family supported through a difficult season, and every life impacted represents another opportunity to continue serving.
At NEOPAT, we believe service never truly ends. Tim Hauser exemplifies that belief every day through his leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those who have worn our nation’s uniform.
We are honored to recognize Tim Hauser as this month’s Faces of Service honoree and thank him for his continued dedication to strengthening the veteran community throughout Northeast Ohio.
