COL. PHILLIP Newman wasn’t looking for a prestigious singing career when he joined the Marine Corps. Joining the service during the Vietnam era, he saw the Naval Academy as a path to both education and military service. What he didn’t expect was that his love of music, developed in his church choir, would lead him to command Marines and sing on the stage of Carnegie Hall. The young boy who belted hymns in the pews of his local church would one day find himself leading Marines in cadence. That same voice that permeated through the beloved sanctuary would, decades later, reverberate within the renowned Carnegie Hall.
Newman’s life shows the unexpected ways that purpose and passion often intertwine. It began in Tennessee but soon moved to the busy streets of Chicago. He grew up in a family that cherished American values and the promise of better opportunities. These values he learned from his family of modest farmers turned city dwellers laid the groundwork for his future ambitions.
Newman’s high school years in the late 1960s and early 1970s were pivotal. During a school visit from a West Point representative, he learned about military academies. At a time when the draft was still active, the idea of a military academy and financial support during his studies intrigued him.
“This provided a new opportunity. I could actually go to college, and it’s free,” he explained.
Newman’s path to the Naval Academy came about because of his love for music. His father, a dedicated song leader in their church, exposed him to the music world early on. By high school, Newman was a proficient sight reader and an active member of his church choir. This musical talent unexpectedly opened the door to his future.
He said, “The church wanted me to sing in the adult choir, even though I was 14 or 15, because I could read music.”
Encouraged by a high school teacher, Newman approached Mrs. Ross Dyer, a choir member and wife of Tennessee State Supreme Court Justice Ross Dyer. Her connections led to Senator Bill Baker nominating Newman and securing his spot in the Naval Academy.
“I never even met the guy. I had never talked to him. But I got to go to the Naval Academy because I sang.”
At the Naval Academy, Newman’s path was set. Despite an initial fear of boats, he gravitated toward the Marine Corps, attracted to its clear-cut values and disciplined lifestyle. His 30-year career in the Marine Corps came with significant achievements, including commanding three units — a rare accomplishment. Newman led a school for enlisted Marines, an officer training school, and a logistics squadron responsible for maintaining 180 helicopters and 900 Marines.
Newman’s service inevitably had its challenges. One of his most notable deployments was in response to the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami. As the logistics officer, he coordinated the delivery of essential supplies and medical aid, revealing the practical impact of military training in real-world crises.
While excelling in his military career, his passion for music continued. During his four-year assignment in Japan, he participated in an international choir that united American, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino citizens.
When Newman retired in November 2006, he was only 52. He found new ways to serve, leveraging his extensive education in math and engineering. Teaching at Dyersburg State Community College was his new calling. Newman found a natural fit to guide young students, gleaning from his military experience. He frequently intertwined values like hard work and continuous learning into his teachings, which resonated with his students.
“I told them, ‘Everything you do in life is a test. So don’t worry about tests. Always do your best. Work your hardest. If you don’t make it, that’s fine, but your goal is always to be the best you can, whatever that means for you,’” he explained.
Music remains an important part of Newman’s life. His church and community connections in Athens, Georgia, where he once commanded a supply school, led to a pivotal moment in his life. An invitation to join a prestigious choir introduced him to classical music. Fast forward to 2023, when he received an invitation from the same choir conductor to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Preparing for the performance was not a small task. Newman dedicated over a year to rigorous practice, which led to a breathtaking rendition of Mozart’s Requiem. This performance also required him to learn Latin. Performing at Carnegie Hall was a massive undertaking yet a remarkable milestone in his life.
“I hadn’t sung it in 26 years. After 100 hours of practice, I almost had it memorized,” he explained.
Newman’s love for music continues here in Tullahoma. He promotes Southern gospel music, organizes concerts, and shares his passion for singing with his church and community. As a substitute teacher, he inspires a new generation with stories from his military career and performances.
Newman’s philosophy on life and career is to find what you love, work hard, and continually educate yourself. One of his favorite hymns is “It Is Well with My Soul,” a powerful message of faith during hardship. The song speaks to Newman’s own story of embracing life’s unpredictable adventures.
Of all his accomplishments, Newman’s wife, Deborah, a former Navy Corpsman, and three children are among his favorites. All of his children have degrees and are positively contributing to their communities.
From commanding troops in Southeast Asia to delivering a mesmerizing Mozart’s Requiem, Newman’s adventurous escapades inspire us to live bravely with a melody in our hearts and to embrace the opportunities that come our way. GN
