Mikel Conrad was awarded the JustServe “Heart of Service” Award for his ambitious project: “250 Faces of Service and Sacrifice.” Conrad, who has been photographing veterans for over 10 years, made a plan to photograph 250 veterans in preparation for America’s 250th birthday this summer. Starting last year, he has photographed veterans across the state of Nevada from ages 18 to 104.

At the presentation of the award, Conrad was praised for his longstanding dedication to sharing his talents to serve and uplift others around him within the community. The Heart of Service Award is given to “extraordinary individuals whose service strengthens communities and inspires others to serve.” This matches Conrad’s personal vision for “250 Faces of Service and Sacrifice,” which he hopes will inspire individuals to recognize the service of veterans and become inspired to find their own ways of serving within their community. 

“Think of others. Putting others first. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what Christ would have done,” Conrad said.

When the project is complete at the end of the summer, Conrad’s project will be available as a photo gallery and photo book, which will travel around Nevada – and potentially beyond – for the public to view, learn, and reflect on their own community service opportunities. Conrad particularly hopes that viewers will notice the hands of the older veterans and think about the way that these men and women have used their hands to sacrifice and serve others. He says that even today, when he visits veterans to photograph them, their first questions are all still focused on how they can help him or others. Their spirit of service has never faded.

Conrad’s work with veterans was initially inspired by his own veteran relative, his Uncle Thomas, who shared his own photographs and stories with Conrad. While going through his uncle’s slides, Conrad felt a desire to preserve other people’s stories, too. He believes that families need to know, and that our entire country will be better for knowing our history and our heritage. One example he shared is that knowing how a veteran showed great courage can help anyone in their daily life when they need to be brave.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Conrad says he believes in following Christ’s example by lifting the burdens of those around him. In his work photographing veterans, he takes the time to really listen, even to stories that can be painful. Sometimes, he acknowledges, they will just cry together. He says that as people share their stories, he has the chance to let them know that someone cares, and that they are not forgotten. For this work of strengthening individuals and the community, Mikel Conrad was awarded the JustServe Heart of Service Award.

Submit a nomination today through the America250 Heart of Service Award Nomination Form and help honor a volunteer whose service is creating a lasting impact.