by Dennis Dalman
A central Minnesota veteran who has done an enormous amount of work locally – and beyond – to help veterans recover from substance abuse has just been honored with the Chief Master Sergeant Russ Habighorst Humanitarian Award.
The honor was bestowed on retired U.S. Army Major John Donovan by the Recovery Community Network, which Donovan co-founded in 2014 in St. Cloud.
The Habighorst Award is named after Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Russ Habighorst, a Minnesotan who served as a medic in combat tours of duty in the Gulf War and in Iraq. The award is given each September during National Recovery Month to a recovering veteran who embodies the virtues of diligence, perseverance, compassion and caring for veterans wounded physically and/or emotionally. Habighorst died in 2020 at the age of 55.
Katie Blue, the executive director of RCN, called Donovan a tireless advocate.
“He has been a tireless advocate for veterans in recovery,” Blue said. “He volunteers hundreds of hours every year to veteran causes to ensure his fellow veterans have a fighting chance at recovery like he did.”
Donovan said he was honored to receive the award because he so values the virtues Habighorst exemplifies.
“He (Habighorst) was a great Airman (Air Force) and a great humanitarian.”
Donovan, who lives in Big Lake, was born in St. Cloud, attended St. Cloud Tech and Cathedral high schools, then graduated from St. John’s Prep School. He then earned a degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree in education from Boston University.
He is a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, having served two tours of duty in Iraq. Two years ago, Donovan wrote a book entitled “A Soldier’s Recovery Journey,” which includes 50 essays on recovery, youth themes and the Armed Forces.
During a long interview with the Newsleader during National Recovery Month in 2022, Donovan spoke about his own early substance-abuse problems from which he has been free of for 45 years. He uses insights gained from his own struggles with substance abuse to help countless other veterans.
The nonprofit RCN, based in St. Cloud, is a grassroots organization that mobilizes and coordinates varied resources (at no cost) to help people struggling with substance abuse. Although its priority is military veterans, it helps others as well. Its service area is within about a 50-mile radius of St. Cloud. RCN receives funding from the state to help veterans.
It has eight staff members, including some volunteers. RCN is located in Midtown Square in downtown St. Cloud. People or their loved ones seeking help can call 320-428-1887 or visit the website at recoverycommunitynetwork.com.
