LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — An Honor Flight Southern Nevada and Vietnam veteran has passed away.
Honor Flight Southern Nevada says Don Newell has died. Newell was part of a spring Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. Vietnam and Korean War veterans toured war memorials and monuments.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Major Don Newell, USAF, Retired. Major Newell flew with us just this past April on Mission 23,” said Honor Flight Southern Nevada on its Facebook page.
FOX5 was on the trip with Newell and other veterans. Others on the trip also commented on Facebook.
“Glad he got to make the trip. May he ever fly so high in eternity,” said one poster.
Another poster said, “Rest in paradise, Mr. Newell. Thank you for your service.”
Honor Flight Southern Nevada said that during Vietnam, Newell flew F4s and was a Pilot Operator, Maintenance Flyer of T-37s and T-38s and also was a T-37 instructor and front seat pilot while serving in Vietnam and Thailand, receiving the Air Medal, with 12 Oak Clusters. He also was Top Cover for the Bob Hope Show.
The group also said, “To us, he was a true joy and delight from our first meeting. His Team Leader remembers his ‘infectious smile and laugh.’ We remember the visible joy and pride between he and his lovely wife at orientation, excited to learn more about Honor Flight.”
Honor Flight Southern Nevada is a nonprofit that relies on donations to send veterans to D.C. at no cost to them.
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