Community Corner

Local Veteran Ambushed With Honor Ceremony

Various Woodstock organizations surprised Marine Corps veteran John Newport for an honor ceremony last Saturday.

The Warriors’ Watch Riders in conjunction with the Woodstock Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the City of Woodstock honored Marine Corps veteran John Newport in a surprise ceremony on Feb. 19 in the . 

Newport, currently Commandant of the Woodstock Detachment of the Marine Corps League was the target of a month long secret ambush plan that included his family and friends, members of the Marine Corps League, members of the Woodstock American Legion Post, the City of Woodstock and Rep. Tom Price.

“John is a natural born leader, and an asset to this community,” said Bud Leonard, Woodstock City Council member and retired Army First Sergeant. “We appreciate his dedication to the veterans of the City of Woodstock and the surrounding communities.” 

Leonard, representing the City of Woodstock, presented a proclamation to recognize Newport for his “caring heart, exemplary leadership, and dedication to his community and his Country.”

Warriors’ Watch Riders member Craig “Doc” McNabb presented Newport with a letter of congratulations from Price.

“I believe I echo the sentiments of the citizens of the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia by expressing how grateful we are for your 20 years of active service to our nation.  Our veterans are truly one of our most prized assets,” states the letter. 

Warriors’ Watch Riders members and Marine Corps League members also honored Newport with honor coins from their organizations as well as a Good Citizen Award from the Marine Corps League.

“Our nations heroes live in our local community,” said Al Minella, Georgia State Coordinator for the Warriors’ Watch Riders. “We want to know who they are and be sure that they are honored and recognized just as we have for John. The vision of our organization is that one day all of our nations veterans and their families; past and present, will feel appreciated, honored, respected and loved by the citizens they risk their lives to protect.” 

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