CWV Book Corner, July: Marine Corps Veteran Sarah B. Gray

This month’s Center for Women Veterans Book Corner author is Marine Corps Veteran Sarah B. Gray, who served as an administration clerk from 2001-2006. She wrote “Millie the Moose Blurts,” which uses humor and animals to teach children strategies to avoid blurting.

Gray currently works as a special education and physical education teacher, and began writing children’s books as a way to teach children social skills. She lives in Alaska with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and seven chickens. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys spending any free time reading, working on a doctorate in special education, or being outside and seeing what Alaska has to offer.

Can you share a brief background of your military experience, including your branch of service, years served, and any notable positions or deployments?

During my time in the Marine Corps, I serve one tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

What inspired you to write a book and share your story a woman Veteran?

The Marine Corps taught me about work ethic and to continuously work to better myself. After I got out of the military, I began a career in education, which lead to inspiration for my book.

How has your military background influenced your writing style and the themes you explore in your work?

My background has influenced me to reflect on the challenges I see others struggling with and address those challenges with humor.

How do you hope your book will impact other women Veterans, active-duty service members, and the general public?

I hope that this book will help children, including military children, to address some of their challenges in a productive manner.

What role do you think storytelling and literature play in fostering understanding and support for the women Veteran’s community?

I think storytelling and literature can be therapeutic outlets for women Veterans.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your time in the military that has had a lasting impact on your life and writing?

It’s not so much a single experience from my time in service that impacted my writing but rather the confidence and experience of stepping out of my comfort zone that gave me the confidence to try writing a book, along with the grit to put in the long days that go along with writing a book while working full time and pursuing my doctorate in education.

How do you believe the Women Veterans Book Corner can help bring awareness to the civilian and military communities, particularly about women Veterans?

I believe that the Women Veterans Book Corner can help military communities, especially women Veterans, to find an outlet after service. Getting out of the military causes a bit of an identity crisis even under the best circumstances. It is important to have an outlet when moving forward.

What advice do you have for other women Veterans or active-duty service members who may be considering writing about their experiences?

Go for it. Writing about your experiences can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience.

How has writing this book helped you?

It has given me the creative outlet that I didn’t know I needed.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events you’re involved in that our audience might be interested in?

Personally, I am looking forward to my first Irreverent Warriors hike next month. Professionally, if this book does well, I would like to turn it into a series to teach children a variety of social skills.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information. If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager Michelle Terry at 00W@VA.Gov.