Chief Newman joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 in April 1984.  She completed Basic Training in Orlando, FL as well as Basic Deck Seamanship on the same base.  Chief Newman accepted her first assignment to Naval Military Personnel Command Washington, DC as an undesignated Seaman.  She wanted to strike for RM (Radioman) but the rate was closed and she took the exam for YN (Yeoman) and has been a Yeoman ever since.

Her tours of duty are as follows: 

• Naval Military Personnel Command Washington, DC (SRB, SCORE, STAR, ADV Payment/Remaining Amt) (1984-1988)
• Naval Reserve Readiness Center Atlanta, GA (Asst. Admin Officer) (1988-1991)
• Naval Reserve Center Wilmington, NC (Admin Officer/RESPAY Officer) (1991-1994)
• Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region 19 San Diego, CA (PASS Liaison Officer/Training Officer) (1994-1999)
• Seventh Naval Construction Regiment Newport, RI (Independent Duty/Admin Officer) (1999-2003)
• Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center Willow Grove, PA (Admin Officer) (2003-2006)
• Navy Operational Support Center New York (Admin/PERS Officer/CMEO/CACO Officer) (2006-2008)
• Retired with an Honorable Discharge April 2008 with 24 years of active duty service. 

Decorations and service medals include:

• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 gold stars)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 gold stars)
• Good Conduct Medal (w/silver star)
• National Defense Service Medal (w/bronze star)
• Global War on Terrorism Medal
• Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/Bronze Hourglass)