Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1969, holding the rank of MSgt at his retirement. His most notable assignments were as Inspector of Personnel and Administration, Presidential Wing Special Missions, 1955 to 1961, and his attachment to the US Embassy in the Netherlands, 1961 to 1964. He served with the Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs and with the Strategic Air Command in Long Island.

He continued his connection with the military in many ways. He served as Department Adjutant for the New Hampshire State American Legion organization from 1994-1999 and again from 2008-2009. He was an Honorary Life Member of Keene Gordon Bissell American Legion Post #4 and served as Post Commander, in 2006 and 2007, as well as Past Finance Officer and Adjutant. As a member of the Keene Post #4 Color Guard for 29 years, he participated in military ceremonies, parades, and events statewide. Donald was proud of his membership in the ANAFVINCUS.
He was a member of the New Hampshire Legion Senior Baseball Tournament committee for 16 years.
He was a 41-year member of the Cheshire County Voiture Local #559 of the Forty and Eight Grande du NH. He was also an associate member of the N.H. Huguenot Society and the New Hampshire Society of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His memberships also included the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War.