McNeill served in the United States Air Force, between active duty and reserve duty, a combined 40 years and ten days.He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve. His service has not stop there, as he also served on the Leominster Fire Department for 32 years, and was the reserve fire chief at Hanscom Air Force Base.

His time now is spent as an active member of the AMVETS, Disabled American Veteran’s,and the American Legion. His involvement with these esteemed organizations dates back to 1965.

During the Memorial Day ceremony that happens at the Veteran’s Center on West Street, flowers are carefully and lovingly placed in Rockwell Pond to honor soldiers that were buried at sea over the years. The idea to do this came from Larry.

“Back in 1970, Larry was was president of the Veteran’s Council and had thought about our loved ones that were either buried or killed at sea. Rockwell Pond flows into local rivers,and eventually flow into the ocean. It was to me a nice way to honor their memories. 

Veteran’s Agent Richard Vautour said McNeill also volunteers a couple of days a week at the office, doing filing and little projects that need to be tended to. One of those projects include making certificates of appreciation to veteran’s that are now in nursing homes.

Larry is serves as chairman of the Americanism Freedom Foundation, run by the AMVETS.

“There is a conference in Valley Forge, and it is a chance for students to learn about our freedoms. It is important for the younger generation to learn how our freedoms came to be,” Larry said.