Send a letter to a 95-year-old local veteran to receive during his Honor Flight

World War II Newton (Newt) McDonald, 95, has been selected to take an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 28.

According to its website, “Honor Flight Nevada transports America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Helping every single veteran in America, willing and able of getting on a plane or a bus, visit their memorial.”

World War II veterans (for obvious reasons) are a top priority in being selected. Lee Hemphill will accompany Newt on the Honor Flight as his guardian. Lee is also a veteran and an active member of the American Legion here in Susanville.

Despite his age, McDonald volunteers at the Susanville Salvation Army as much as he can, and he even helped during its recent Stuff-the-Bus school supply drive.

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Here’s how you can help support McDonald
On Saturday evening during the trip to Washington, there will be a “Mail Call” – just like when the men served, and they will receive all their mail at that time. This is a surprise for them.

“We are asking for people to write cards and letters and send them for Newt,” said daughter-in-law Carla McDonald, who also works at the Salvation Army in Susanville. There is an address on the flyer (Newt McDonald — September 2023; Honor Flight Nevada; PO Box 21123; Reno, NV 89515), but I can also deliver them to the Honor Flight team if people want to drop them off at the Salvation Army. The correspondence has to be received by the Honor Flight team by Sept. 17.”