Spotlight on Service for Social Justice: Josh Newman '82 Addresses Students for Veteran's Day
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Millbrook students learned about alumnus Josh Newman’s service to our country and about the impact it had on his life.
Josh Newman ’82 discussed his experiences at Millbrook and Yale and in the United States Army with students and faculty in the Flagler Memorial Chapel. It was during his time at Millbrook School that Newman realized that, “to be successful you have to feel valued, and the most lasting way to feel valued is through service.” He says that when dishwashing for his community service, he realized that he was a part of something larger than himself. Washing dishes in the dining hall gave him a glimpse of how the whole Millbrook community functioned and the importance of all of its parts and people.
After Millbrook, he went on to study history at Yale University. As his college graduation approached, many of his peers were preparing for law school or careers in finance and business. He realized that he could not pursue those paths, and it was at this time that Newman applied for the army in response to an advertisement he saw on the back of a magazine.
After Millbrook, he went on to study history at Yale University. As his college graduation approached, many of his peers were preparing for law school or careers in finance and business. He realized that he could not pursue those paths, and it was at this time that Newman applied for the army in response to an advertisement he saw on the back of a magazine.
Newman received mixed reactions from friends and family upon announcing his decision. It was not a popular choice for people of his background to make at that time—he was the only student from his Yale graduating class to volunteer for the military that year, in comparison to 28 students who joined the Peace Corps.
Despite objections from his family, Newman went on to basic training where he realized immediately how he and the other recruits “became equals” during the first few days. “When we shaved our heads, we were equals, all starting from the same place.” Regardless of where they had come from, the opportunity and experience was the same for everyone in basic training.
Newman was stationed in South Korea and then went to Hawaii to practice jungle warfare. He was released from the army in 1999. “I learned more about people, the world, and myself in the four years I was in the military than I did anywhere else,” says Newman, “and it is because I did not let others define me, I stayed true to myself and did what was best for me.”
Newman reminded students that they are in a time in their life of infinite opportunity and choice. Doors are open for them to pursue their passions. He reminded them to remember to not let institutions define who they become, and that service of any kind can create a sense of value in oneself.
After Newman’s address, students thanked him, and all veterans for their service to our country.
Video of Newman’s speech can be found in Millbrook in Motion.
