FORT BELVOIR, Virginia – Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell, a native of McCleary, Washington, retired from the U.S. Army at a ceremony held here, Nov. 21.
In his last assignment, marking the culmination of his 29 years of dedicated service to the nation, he served as Fort Belvoir’s garrison command sergeant major. Although he transferred responsibility to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins two months ago, honoring him at Thurman Auditorium, located directly behind the garrison headquarters, reflects his significant contributions.
It was within that building he worked alongside Col. Joseph Messina, former garrison commander, since accepting the guidon from him on May 19, 2023.
In his remarks while officiating the retirement ceremony, Messina spoke about how at all levels of his tenure, from entering services as an E1 until his last post as garrison command sergeant major, Newell brough a versatility and dedication with him to each and every position.
“Throughout his distinguished career Command Sgt. Maj. Newell was assigned to positions that allowed him to bring his talents, skills and abilities to bear in position and make lasting impacts on Soldiers, the Army, and our Nation,” said Messina. “He fostered and cultivated superior command climates that welcomed diversity, empowered subordinates, executed missions beyond expectation, and enforced standards and developed future leaders.”
Messina now serves as Chief of Strategic Initiative Group for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Army G-1. Although he has transitioned from his previous role, he felt it was fitting to be the one to usher his former command sergeant major, now friend, into the next chapter of his life.
After Messina awarded Newell the Legion of Merit, and the narrator read the retirement order, Newell took to the podium for his speech. Upon approach, he decided to break with tradition and pass the microphone to his wife of 29 years.
Mrs. Julie Newell spoke about her experiences serving as a proud Army wife and mother to their six sons. She empathized with other Army spouses that shared her same struggles, before thanking her husband for the life they share together.
“I’ve fought to find words to express how much I appreciate my husband, not feeling like anything is sufficient,” said Julie. “I’ve learned more standing by his side than I ever could on my own…Thank you for taking me on this journey.”
Newell spoke to the senior leaders, family and friends in attendance when he reflected on the past 29 years. He once again gave credit to the unwavering support of his wife and his children, enduring long stretches of his absence during deployment and constant moves whenever the Army called them. He also charged future leaders to have courage to stand and fight for truth, right and justice, not just on the battlefield.
“Regardless of whether we’re right or not, we agree when we become leaders of this incredible fighting force to stand. Sometimes just standing when the time is called for is more important and powerful than anything else,” said Newell. “America needs those who are willing to stand. Regardless of all those times and things I regret, I can honestly say I did the best I knew how and I tried in every case I could to stand and be counted. I love this country, and I love my family and my God. And I love each and everyone one of you.”
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