Steven J. Newton

To Serve and Protect: A Retired Law Enforcer Extends His Oath For 25 years, Steven Newton worked in law enforcement. But his oath to serve and protect, was not a principle applied to just his 9 to 5 career; it is the way he lives his life every day. Steven is also a former Marine/Navy veteran, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, and with the Navy's NAVACTS-UK-318.

Once he returned from Desert Storm, Steven wanted to make a difference in the lives of wounded service members and veterans. He did so by founding an organization called The Silver Star Families of America. The Silver Star Families of America (SSOA) recognizes and honors ill and wounded veterans. When Steven first began the organization, SSOA had only eight members.

Today the organizations includes more than 5,000 people, the majority of whom are volunteers. Since the early days of SSOA, Steven's drive has led to significant change. His persistence and passion brought about a statewide mandate. His home state of Missouri to make May 1st the official Silver Star Service Banner Day – a day set aside for citizens to remember those who have served the country. The organization is currently working to have the day recognized nationally.

Steven, who has Parkinson's disease, is committed to making certain veterans are getting what they need. He says his life's goal is to “promote the morale of all people in uniform, from members of the Armed Forces to Emergency Services."