Donald Stillwaggon, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, was honored by American Legion Post 1420 of the Town of Newburgh for being a 75-year member. When he was not in the air force, Stillwaggon dedicated his time to volunteerism and being a member of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department, where he has also been a member for over 75 years and served as assistant chief, captain, lieutenant and fire police lieutenant.

Stillwagon served in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Air Force and the United States Air Force Reserves. Stillwagon said he was happy to be with the air force and that it was a “wonderful experience” where he made a lot of friends. He recalled flying C-47 military transport aircrafts and has kept all of his flight logs to still look back on today.

“I met a lot of good people,” said Stillwaggon. “I had lunch with the queen of England and in Italy I met the pope. I had a great experience really.”

In 2015, Stillwagon was a Hudson Valley Honor Flight participant who had the opportunity to tour Washington, D.C. and visit the various monuments.

Stillwaggon was born on November 9, 1921 and is one of four children. He grew up on North Plank Road and attended Fostertown School and Newburgh Free Academy. He also operated the family-owned Newburgh Envelope Corp in the Town of Newburgh.

He never had children, although he was married to Jeanette Mackey for over 65 years until she died. His brother, Carl Stillwaggon, also served as a member of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department, as well as his nephew Stuart Stillwagon.

“It’s a family of long lives spent in volunteerism,” said Paul Beck, Stillwaggon’s other nephew.

Although Stillwaggon will be turning 100 in November, he won’t be the longest to live in their family, considering his grandmother lived until 105.

“God has certainly been good to me,” said Stillwaggon. “I appreciate his good gifts.”