09/29/2026
Remembering Chad William Hargarten
January 7, 1985 โ September 2, 2026
Our hearts are with Eric Hargarten Sr. and his family as they mourn the loss of his brother, Chad, who died by su***de. Chad served our country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, with numerous deployments.
Eric is a cherished part of the Homeward Bound Adirondacks family. During our retreats at Camp Dudley and in Onchiota, he was a quiet, dependable presenceโthe first to arrive, gathering firewood, setting up equipment, and building the fires that brought us together. He loved camping and the peace of the Adirondacks.
Although Eric moved to Hawaii to be closer to family, his connection to HBA remains strong. Our Executive Director, Valerie Ainsworth, treasures the visit she shared with Eric and his beloved service dog, Nadia, two years ago. We hope to welcome him back to the Adirondacks and share our property with him one day.
In the midst of his grief, Eric has asked us to share a message: check on your fellow veterans, stay connected, and reach out for support when you are struggling.
In Ericโs words:
โI implore anyone who is struggling or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to loved ones or the VA su***de prevention hotline and seek help.โ
Please take a moment to call a fellow veteran, send a message, or make time to listen. If you are hurting, you deserve care and support. You do not have to face it alone.
Veterans Crisis Line:
โข Call 988, then press 1
โข Text 838255
โข Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for veterans and their loved ones. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
We honor Chadโs service and memory, and we hold Eric and the entire Hargarten family in our hearts.