Major General Stanley Newman holds the distinction of being United Way of Central Oklahoma’s most loyal contributor on record, giving for nearly 70 years.

Major General Newman started giving to United Way in 1948 while serving in the military. Mr. Newman was a P-51 Mustang pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II and said that all service men were encouraged to give to United Way.

When he moved to central Oklahoma, he began contributing to his new local United Way. “When I got out of the service, I just kept it up because it takes care of so many absolutely necessary things that have to be done for the people who haven’t been as for­tunate as I have,” he said.

“My religion encourages charity,” Mr. Newman said.

He is Jewish and the Hebrew word for the obligation of charitable giving, Tzedakah, is a fundamental part of the Jewish way of life. He has imparted this belief in giving back to his community on his family.

With three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Mr. Newman has much for which to be thankful. He said that he’s encouraged his large family to be thankful for their blessings and to have a heart for the community.