Email   Print   Share By Erin Rogers, Sentinel Staff

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Soldiers from the WTB give a final salute to its fellow brother-in-arms, Staff Sgt. Queston Newell, at the memorial honoring him on the morning of July 18 at the 73rd Street Chapel. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Staff

The Warrior Transition Brigade said goodbye to one of its brothers-in-arms, Staff Sgt. Queston Newell, on the morning of July 18 at the 73rd Street Chapel on Fort Hood.

Newell’s final assignment in his 16-year Army career was with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, WTB. His fellow Soldiers joined his Family and friends to give a final salute and a proper memorial dedicated to his Army career and highlights of his life.

“It is never easy to say goodbye to one of our own,” Lt. Col. Christopher Cook, 1st Bn. commander, said. “One who has served so valiantly and always put others before himself. Staff Sgt. Newell was a remarkable Soldier.”

Newell is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children, Jay, Vanessa, Ashlee and Katherine, and his parents, Clifton Newell and Charliena Dewees. During the memorial service, Cook told them that they are now and forever honored members of the Army Family.

Newell’s company commander, Capt. Thomas Horal, told stories about Newell to paint a picture of the type of person Newell was for the guests at his memorial. Horal smiled while telling the audience that Newell always walked around with a smirk on his face, saying he had a lot to be happy about.

Horal recounted one story in particular about a day Newell came into his office and requested to be the leader for swim training, and while training, Newell spotted a woman in a wheelchair sitting by the pool.

Horal said Newell went over to her and asked if she wanted to get in the pool, and while hesitant, she did want to swim. Newell brought her into the water with him.

“When she wanted to walk, he walked with her. When she wanted to rest, he stayed with her,” Horal said. “That’s what he was all about – giving all he had to others, putting others before himself.

“He was always focused on what he could do, not what he couldn’t do,” Horal added.

Newell was a decorated Soldier, earning more than 15 medals and qualifications throughout his Army career. His Family and friends repeatedly attributed his achievements as being very well-deserved and well-earned.

“Staff Sgt. Newell loved his country and his fellow Soldiers. He is leaving a legacy with his charismatic personality,” said fellow Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Davis, during his Soldier’s tribute.

The memorial closed with a musical tribute to Newell, sung by Staff Sgt. Maryann Tufele, and the last roll call traditional to military memorial services.

Chap. (Capt.) James Pritchard encouraged Newell’s fellow Soldiers, friends and Family to lean on each other through this difficult time, and to grieve together as brothers and sisters within the U.S. Army Family.

“The message I want to leave you with this day is a message of hope – hope for a healing of the soul, hope for a brighter tomorrow and hope for better days to come,” Pritchard said, adding how important it is to remember Newell for the best parts of who he was. “To remember how he has touched and impacted our lives and the lives of many others. Those who know Staff Sgt. Newell know he was a great man, a great Soldier and a true American. He will be remembered by many.”