Mike Newton

When our military members answer the call to serve, they face the risk of not knowing whether they will come home. This was definitely a challenge for Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike Newton (Army Ret.). Mike served in the United States Air Force from 1977 to 1988 as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Technician. After separating from the Air Force, he then served in the United States Army from 1988 to 1994. Currently, Mike is a contract employee with the DOD, where he is once again in the EOD field.

Mike is originally from Debuque, Iowa. Throughout his career he was stationed in Nebraska, the Philippines, Texas, Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii and served in Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1900-1991.

Mike met his wife, Perla, when he was stationed in the Philippines and they would later become the parents of two daughters. After retiring in 1994, the family relocated to Las Vegas. Over the years, Mike has become involved with several local veteran organizations as the Combat Vets 41-4 Motorcycle Association of Nevada, Inc., EOD Warrior Foundation, Wheels 4 Warriors, Race to Erase 22 and 22 Warriors.

"Noodles," Mike's childhood nickname, admits to being standoffish when he first started gathering with other veterans, but said, "I feel obligated because I am a veteran and I believe all of us have a responsibility to reach out to each other. We have a commonality. Many guys are really close, and we know that if we need someone, we can call".

Debbie Burgos, the Founder of Race to Erase 22, didn't hesitate to nominate Mike to be recognized as one of our #NVHeroes when she found out about the program. "I nominated Mike because from the very first moment we met, he wanted to know how he could help our organization, and never about what we could do for him. He has served our country for many years, serving both in the Air Force and the Army and continues to serve as a private contractor. Mike travels often for work, but even though he may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, he is always letting us know when there are funeral services for unaccompanied Veterans, so we can alert the community or offer assistance for those in need," said Burgos.

When asked what Veteran related event in the community is the most meaningful to him, Mike replied, "the most rewarding is the unaccompanied Veteran burial services. I feel that those guys are very underrepresented."

Mike is not only a valuable resident in our community, he is also a true champion for veterans and their families. We are proud to recognize him as the first #NVHeroes of this month.

For more information about the Unaccompanied Veterans Services, please call the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 702-486-5920.