Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Herbert L. "Laurie" Newton has joined the United Bank Center for Military and Veteran Studies advisory board at Coastal Carolina University. He is the former commander of the U.S. Army's 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command within the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG).

A native South Carolinian and a longtime resident of Horry County, Newton spent more than four decades in the U.S. Army, rising to the post of deputy air defense commander for the U.S. Army's North American Aerospace Defense Command as well as commander of the SCNG's 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC). A graduate of Palmetto Military Academy and the SCNG Junior Officers School, Newton was commissioned as a second lieutenant and armor officer in the U.S. Army in 1973. He rose steadily in rank, from lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier general to major general. During his career, he served as a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, battalion commander, brigade commander, head of the 263rd AAMDC, and deputy adjutant general of the SCNG.

Newton earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and is an alumnus of Liberty University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, where he majored in science and business administration. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Army's Armor Officer Advanced Course and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merit Awards, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the South Carolina Meritorious Service Medal, and the Governor's Unit Citation Award.

"It's a pleasure to have General Newton join the advisory board of the United Bank Center for Military and Veteran Studies," said Rod Gragg, center director. "He brings with him the experience and expertise of a distinguished career, and a genuine heart for members and veterans of the American Armed Forces. He will be an asset to the center's mission."

The United Bank Center for Military and Veteran Studies at CCU was established in 2010. It has a three-fold mission: to record and preserve oral history from American veterans in a partnership with the U.S. Library of Congress; to engage in on-going military and veteran studies; and to encourage recognition of the service and sacrifices of American veterans.