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PROFILE OF A MUSEUM
VOLUNTEER Donald R. Newland was born in
Kalamazoo, Michigan January 17, 1944, to Donald Russell and Helen Elizabeth
Newland. He has three siblings, Renaigh Rogers,
David, an Air Force veteran and Scott, who served in the Army. The family moved
to Ft Lauderdale, Florida in 1946, where he and his siblings attended school.
Don graduated from Stranahan High School in 1961. Don entered Western Michigan
University in the fall of 1961, interning at Kalamazoo State Hospital. He
received his Associates Degree in Psychiatric and Clinical Occupational
Therapy. Don was working at Blodget Memorial Hospital
in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Corina Francis
Gutierrez, an attractive lab technician caught his eye. June 12, 1961, after a
three week engagement, Don and Corina were married.
They have two sons. Marco, born in 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Troy,
born at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1967. They are blessed with two granddaughters
and three grandsons. While continuing his studies at
Grand Rapids Jr. College, Don realized he was going to be drafted in the near
future, and made the decision to join the United States Army. This would enable
him to continue his studies with the Medical Corp. In March, 1966 Don reported
to Ft. Knox, Kentucky for basic and advanced infantry training. He was then
transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for medical training, where he attained
the rank of Combat Corp Man, and entered surgical school. In the fall of 1966,
Don was awarded a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Occupational
Therapy. He transferred to Ft. Lewis Washington, where he reported to Madigan
Army hospital as a non-commissioned officer in charge of the occupational
therapy unit. During part of the 1968 Tet offensive
Don saw active duty and was sent TDY to transport wounded soldiers to Madigan
for triage. During Don’s military service our
country was in the midst of the Vietnam War, which in the 20th Century was the
longest and most controversial war of its time. The University of Austin tower
shooting, race riots in many cities, draft protests, the capture of the USS
Pueblo, and anti war protests; including the shooting
of students by the National Guard at Kent State University campus all happened
during this period. In 1969 Don requested an early out
and returned to Western Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor
Degree in Science, History and Education. He continued his education and
received his Masters Degree in History and Management.
While still attending school, Don began working at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical
Corporation in their animal research center for new drug development. After
completion of college, Don transferred to a new clinical epidemiology unit.
From 1974 through 1980 Don moved up the management line, and became manager for
several medical units and special projects. In 1981, Don relocated to the
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area, and worked for the next ten years as Senior
Clinical Manager for Phase 4 research and medical intervention
information.
In 1991, Don transferred to Fresno, California to a new job in clinical drug
research. During that time Upjohn was bought out by Pfizer; however Don
continued his job in the same capacity. The Vietnam War had taken its toll on Don,
making it increasingly difficult for him to continue to work, and in 2003, he
went on long term medical leave. Don received numerous awards for excellence
during his military service and in his career of clinical, medical and
occupational development. Don had decided that he would like to spend some time working as a volunteer; preferably with veterans at the local VA hospital or at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Having visited the museum several times, he had the opportunity to visit with the Director Art Hill one Friday. The next day Mr. Hill called and asked him to become one of their volunteers. Don reported to work the following Monday and after a few months, was asked to take over the library. Having been at the museum a few years now, he still enjoys the men and women that are there and still likes the challenge. He feels great to be part of a vibrant and active group of past servicemen and women. |
