Navy Captain Terra Gray Making the World a Better Place
Terra Gray understands the importance of courage and commitment, attributes that she believes help to make a person of good character who is worthy of respect. And respect is what this leader receives each day from those she supervises as a Navy captain, from the Girl Scouts she leads in Troop 948, and from her family that includes three daughters — all Girl Scouts.
As a military service member, Terra has spent the last 30 years moving across state and country lines. No matter where she and the family ended up, her goal was to have her three daughters, Hattie, Cali, and Meri, find experiences that would allow them to explore new things and places, and build strong connections with their community. That’s what Girl Scouts has done, by giving them opportunities to build lasting friendships and find a sisterhood amongst their peers.
While she was not a Girl Scout growing up, Terra now participates by leading a troop of nineteen Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies with her friends and neighbors Bridget Lafleur and Jackie Sawey. When asked about how Girl Scouting fits into her values and family needs, she says, “Every parent wants to watch their daughter grow into a strong, confident, and courageous woman.” In her three years as a troop leader, Terra has found that Girl Scouting has enabled her to give those gifts by empowering her daughters and other troop members. Of course, it’s a real advantage to have such an outstanding role model as a mom and troop leader!
Due to her family's extensive military background, Terra’s troop has focused on earning various service patches, such as the Explore Navy Pride and Explore Coast Guard Pride patches. While earning the Navy patch, the troop had the privilege of receiving an all-female helicopter tour by Sea Combat Squadron 28. By the end of the tour, the girls had met women pilots, aircrew, mechanics, avionic technicians, machinist mates, and plane captains. This was all courtesy of former commanding officer Captain Colleen Minihan and retired Master Chief James Coleman.
In pursuit of their Explore the Coast Guard patch, the troop enjoyed an informative onboard tour of the USCGC Escanaba. Terra notes, “The troop learned about all things Coast Guard and even participated in the evening colors ceremony. A special thanks to Yeoman First Class Urquhart and the crew of the Escanaba!”
Beyond her efforts in earning these patches, Terra has also drawn inspiration from her experience in the Navy and incorporated it into her participation in the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast. Her knowledge of flag etiquette and handling was helpful at a How to Conduct a Flag Ceremony workshop held at A Place for Girls, the Council’s program center and regional headquarters.
In just a few short years, Troop 948 has attended several Council events and has had opportunities to participate in many different community service efforts and adventures—thanks to Terra who makes a point of encouraging the girls and helping them lead community service projects. One of their favorites to date was building a pollinator garden at Sensory Farms with the help of the owner, Shannon. While researching and learning about pollinator gardens and how to create healthy environments, Terra arranged for them to meet and learn from Navy Entomologists LTJG Luke Prescott, LT Sean McKay, and Environmental Health Officer LT Jesse Mintz.
Terra’s daughters shared some of their favorite memories:
“When you served with NATO and got to meet people from all over the world to help make peace.” - Hattie
“When you got to fly airplanes and pretend you were Amelia Earhart.” - Cali
“When you drove the aircraft carrier and had airplanes landing on it...and when you made a snowman on the flight deck.” - Meri
As a military member who utilizes and appreciates the USO, Terra is proud to share her troop’s involvement in USO donations. “Our troop collected and donated over 800 health care items as part of GSCCC’s USO Care Packages for the Military collection campaign. The girls learned about the USO during the process and were able to join me in giving a message—we salute you [the USO] and thank you for all for support you give OUR TROOPS!”
Thank you, Terra Gray, and all our volunteers who also serve in the military!
