Selfless service fueled by faith and family

Don Botkin
NLJ Correspondent
 
A nomination for 2021 Person of the Year, George Graham is being recognized for his selfless service to his family and community. Graham, a Montana native, has called Newcastle home since 2002. Along with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Asia and J.R., he has worked tirelessly to raise his family and volunteers nearly every spare moment to helping others in need. 
Graham grew up as the middle child of 10 siblings, on his family’s ranch on the Cheyenne Reservation. 
“I know what it feels like to struggle financially and I want to help people in need. I want to be that extra help for people that could make a difference,” he said. His personal faith and involvement with his church are what helps to drive his passion for helping those that are less fortunate.
Graham’s background as a Marine, oil field pipe-liner, mechanic, coal miner and cowboy have all helped to shape his abilities and define who he is today. Whether running his free car clinic, helping stranded motorists, delivering food to the hungry, donating blood or volunteering for 4-H, he tackles each task with a sense of selflessness and responsibility. 
“His natural humility won’t allow him to seek praise,” said Chris Gray, a co-worker. 
At the top of a long list of volunteer works is a free car repair clinic Graham started 12 years ago. After changing oil for an elderly widow, he said, he realized there was a need in the community to help maintain vehicles for those who couldn’t afford to pay someone to do the work or weren’t capable of doing the work. For the first five years of the program, Graham saved his bonus checks from his paying job and purchased the oil, filters and supplies that he needed to repair vehicles. 
His efforts have grown into an annual event that offers automotive services free of charge to the elderly, single parents and veterans who struggle to afford maintenance on their vehicles. The free car clinic is an annual event that typically takes place in the fall and is hosted at Graham’s church, Gateway Fellowship. “I decided to have the clinic in the fall to help people get their cars through the winter, when they’re more vulnerable to breakdowns,” Graham said.
During the clinics, Graham, along with a dozen other volunteer mechanics, change oil and do minor repair services on up to 50 vehicles in a single day. Most of the cost is being covered by donations through the church. Graham said that he generally tries to advertise the event through social media, the radio, newspaper or placing fliers around Newcastle. To obtain more information on next year’s clinic, phone George at 299-0476.
Several years ago, Graham helped to organize the Mini Rough Stock Rodeo. His background in riding bareback broncs in rodeo, combined with a love for the sport, led him to volunteer at the Weston County Fairgrounds. He is now vice president of the annual rodeo event for young cowgirls and cowboys. 
Along with Graham’s love of rodeo, ranching and the Western lifestyle, he donates additional time to local 4-H programs. As a certified shooting coach and leader in 4-H, he teaches gun safety and shooting sports to young 4-H members. 
“Being a Marine and loving to shoot firearms made me want to teach my kids and others how to safely handle guns. It also helps with accuracy when hunting,” Graham said.  Along with a few other volunteers, he helps to train about 36 young 4-H members each year between January and May at the local shooting range. 4-H provides firearms and ammunition to any members that may want to participate in the program. 
Additionally, Graham volunteers time each year to help teach archery and chaperone 4-H camp at Mallo Camp or the Ram Center near Devil’s Tower. 
After dealing with personal family challenges in the past, Graham began regularly donating his blood to the Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver. He saw firsthand the overwhelming need and importance of donating. 
When he was approached by the hospital to see if he would be willing to donate his matched blood type for a specific individual, he jumped at the opportunity. His donation is used for the life-sustaining treatment for a young child, twice a day, every day.  Graham continues to make regular trips to Denver to donate as needed. He makes these trips at his own expense and with a positive attitude. 
Graham was asked what other volunteer work was important to him. 
“I love delivering food during my church’s annual community Christmas dinner event each year,” he answered. “During the annual event, we deliver meals to between 100-200 people in the community … The event is a lot of fun with gifts, games and lots of food.” 
Graham was recently nominated to be a deacon at his church.