FAST FIVE Semper Fi: Drew Mcconnell continues a Marine's mission of service

Courtesy photo

by DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer | November 8, 2025 1:00 AM

Meet Drew Mcconnell, the program manager for Newby-ginnings of North Idaho.

Drew was born in Fort Lewis, Wash., on an Army base. During his younger years, he moved around, as military families do. He called Montana home for the vast majority of his life, as he graduated from high school there in 2007. After debating between college, law enforcement, construction or a good ol' technical trade, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. Drew served in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as traveling the world on other missions such as the Inaugural Marine Rotational Force Darwin in Australia. After service, he was able to secure his dream job at the best nonprofit in the world, Newby-ginnings, and they are stuck with him helping veterans and their families forever.

Learn about Newby-ginnings: newbyginnings.org

1) What is your military history and why did you enlist?

I enlisted out of my hometown of Darby, Mont., in 2008. I joined the Marine Corps as an infantryman and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and traveled the world. I also spent time as a recruiter in Montana and the local area. I enlisted because I felt like I was not ready to invest time and money into college and I was not 100% ready to start a forever career. My family has always served in the military and it was hinted to me to check it out as I was at the tail end of high school, but I never did until I felt stuck the next year after graduating and feeling like I was just not doing what I was supposed to do. So, I joined the best and helped all around the world.

2) What drew you to working with Newby-ginnings, and what are you enjoying about your work with the nonprofit?

I was pointed in the direction of Newby-ginnings by Andrew Holstine of Heroes Homestead originally, and once I figured out Newby-ginnings existed, I just never left. I started off volunteering because the mission was amazing and helping fellow veterans really resonated. Later I joined the board of directors at some point to be able to help out on a bigger scale. As I was getting close to getting out of the Marine Corps, people at Newby-ginnings asked what I wanted to do when I got out, but all I could come up with was that I wanted to work at Newby-ginnings. As there were no positions to work, I almost accepted my fate in the corporate world, but two weeks before I got out of the Marine Corps the position opened up! I put in my letter of resignation to the board of directors so I could work at Newby-ginnings as an employee forever. I could not pass up the opportunity of my dream job doing what I love to do the most — help people. 

3) How do you and your family observe the holiday and celebrate our military veterans this time of year?

Veterans Day is an under-the-radar holiday for my family. Coming from a family full of veterans it was just another day, a day that a veteran was thanked for their service more than most days, but it was not extraordinarily celebrated as other holidays.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

My second dream job was to be a stand-up comedian, and that I love to sing but only do it in my car by myself or with my kids singing along.

5) What message do you have for our community about what it means to serve as we approach Veterans Day?

Serving is a selfless thing. Many join the ranks and serve for years with the knowledge that in the end they will walk away with little more than a couple extra medical issues and time spent with their brothers and sisters that only a few will understand. Veterans by and large serve because they feel a sense of patriotism (even if they deny it later) and will be some of the first to step in and step up when others would shy away. I continued with this service in the best way I did not know was possible until I found Newby-ginnings, by serving and helping those who have served.