GySgt Newell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006 from RSS Tallahassee in Tallahassee, FL and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he was promoted to Private First Class and reported to Camp Lejeune, NC for Marine Combat Training.
Following the completion of Marine Combat Training, PFC Newell reported to the Armed Forces School of Music in September 2006 to receive entry-level training as a military musician. PFC Newell was then promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in December 2006 and graduated to Basic Music Course as a basic musician (5524).
In April 2007, LCpl Newell was assigned to the Albany Marine Band aboard the Albany Logistics Base in Albany, GA as a clarinetist. In July 2007, LCpl Newell was then promoted to Corporal and assumed duties as the Audio Reinforcement and Recording NCOIC. Cpl Newell attended the Armed Forces School of Music in May 2008 and received professional training as an Audio Reinforcement Technician. Cpl Newell was then promoted to his Sergeant in October 2009 and served platoon roles of Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Guide. He auditioned for and received an additional MOS of saxophonist. Sgt Newell received informal training as both the Assistant Small Ensemble Leader as well as a Music Orchestrator for the band.
In July 2011, Sgt Newell reported to the Quantico Marine Corps Band (QMCB) aboard the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, VA as a saxophonist and Audio Reinforcement and Recording NCOIC. Sgt Newell served platoon roles of Squad Leader and Platoon Guide. In September 2012, Sgt Newell attended the Armed Forces School of Music, receiving advanced instruction at the Music Unit Leader Course (ULC). Upon completion of the ULC in May 2013, Sgt Newell reported back to the QMCB, resuming his previous responsibilities and added collaterals including Public Affairs Photographer, Music Orchestrator, and Platoon Guide. In December 2014, Sgt Newell was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was positioned as Platoon Sergeant and Transportation Chief.
In January through March 2016, SSgt Newell served as an augment platform instructor for Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. There, he provided instruction for 500+ Marine officer candidates about the history of the Vietnam War (post-Korean War through post-Vietnam War) and evaluated candidates through small unit leader assessments.
In July 2016, SSgt Newell reported to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (III MEF Band) in Okinawa, Japan for duty as a saxophone instrumentalist and Audio Reinforcement and Recording Engineer. Shortly after arrival SSgt Newell was appointed the Small Ensemble Leader for the III MEF Band with duties to oversee and build small musical unit capabilities for use in the Asia-Pacific AO as well as the primary supervisor the Music Production Studio – consisting of music orchestration, audio recording and reinforcement, performance lighting, and video recording. In January 2018, SSgt Newell volunteered for a 6-month deployment to Eastern Africa in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa to serve as the Range Coordination Officer for U.S. Forces operating in Djibouti. Additional collaterals included supervising two Corporal’s Courses as the Staff Non-commissioned Officer in Charge and served as a directorate Assistant Security Manager. After his deployment to Djibouti, SSgt Newell resumed his previous responsibilities. He served in this capacity until his departure from the III MEF Band. In October 2020, SSgt Newell was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, he employed different music performance and production teams to engage with digital audiences from across the globe with strategic communication products for use for recruiting, morale, and entertainment purposes.
In July 2022, GySgt Newell reported to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band for duty as the Small Ensemble Leader and oversaw the all the chamber ensembles the unit offers. In January of 2023, a new MOS of Production Manager was established to facilitate the ever-growing need for music production and digital marketing to tell the story of Marine Corps Music. GySgt Newell continues to advocate for military music and the importance of music production in the military music industry.
GySgt Newell has completed three degrees during his tenure in the Marine Corps: a (1) General Associate of Arts from Florida State College at Jacksonville (2011), a (2) Bachelor of Arts in Music from Thomas Edison State University (2015), and an (3) Executive Master of Business Administration from Quantic School of Business and Technology (2021). GySgt Newell’s professional military educate includes Sergeant’s Course (2014) and Career School (2019); MOS training at the Naval School of Music includes the Basic Music Course (2006-07), the Sound Reinforcement Technician Course (2008), and the Music Unit Leader Course (2012-13).
GySgt Newell’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (5th award).