Personal Narrative Film, Video Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Audio Recording Marva Lucille Gray Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: Iraq War, 2003-2011
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 261st Ordnance Company; 266th Ordnance Company
- Location of Service: Iraq
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/93346
As a newly single parent raising her son in Charleston, West Virginia, in the late 1980s, Marva Gray looked to the military as a source of stability and career advancement. Enlisting in the National Guard offered her the chance to pursue new opportunities and still care for her son. Her unit was activated shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and she deployed to Iraq in early 2003. The two years she spent there, weathering shelling and IEDs, took a toll. Upon her return home, she found herself jumpy and plagued by insomnia. In her oral history interview, she encourages all returning combat veterans to seek care from the VA.
Interview / Recording
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Marva Lucille Gray Collection
Interview / Recording
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PlayReasons for entering the service; encouraged by a neighbor to join the National Guard; found herself on a bus to basic training at the age of 29. 00:02:40.0 - 00:06:28.0
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PlayIncident with a drill sergeant insulting her background, but ultimately winning her respect. 00:10:29.0 - 00:12:48.0
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PlayIncident when her convoy was hit by an IED. 00:21:46.0 - 00:23:46.0
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PlayReturning home; reception at airport in Puerto Rico; lots of homecoming parties. 00:28:28.0 - 00:29:52.0
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PlayArriving in Iraq; cautioned not to go anywhere by herself; adjusting to always being escorted by a male. 00:39:49.0 - 00:42:50.0
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PlayDifficulties in readjusting to civilian life; insomnia; realizing in 2007 that she wasn't fine; sought help from the VA. 00:46:06.0 - 00:50:26.0
About this Item
Title
- Marva Lucille Gray Collection
Names
- Gray, Marva Lucille
- West Virginia Veterans Home
- Douglas, Eric
Home State
- West Virginia
Headings
- - Gray, Marva Lucille
- - Iraq War, 2003-2011 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Army.
Form
- CD
Extent
- 1 item
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Female
Race
- Black or African American
Status
- veteran
Service History
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Iraq War, 2003-2011
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 261st Ordnance Company; 266th Ordnance Company
- Location of Service: Iraq
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1987-2011
- Entrance into Service: Enlisted
- Military Status: veteran
Materials
- Audio: CD [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2012-11-30; 2012-11-30)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/93346
Cite as
- Marva Lucille Gray Collection (AFC/2001/001/93346), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- audio
- image
- video