Service, Community, and the Power of Diversity
This November, we are honored to hear from Flourish member and U.S. naval veteran, James Marshall. James served in the United States Army from 1978 to 1980 and Navy the United States Navy from 1980 to 1982 as Petty Officer Third Class, from whence he received honorable discharge. He trained as a medic during his Army service and supported chaplains ministries in the Navy. James served on Treasure Island, in the San Francisco Bay, which was a contributing factor to his love for California and his permanent relocation there from his birthplace in Maryland. We’re so thankful for your service, James, and for the service of others in our community.
By James Marshall, Flourish Member
In 1977, I joined the U.S. Army Reserve fresh out of high school. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was doing. I had considered going to college as a pre-med, but, with an inept guidance counselor, who may have met with me once, I was lost. I did know that I had to leave Lanham, MD, the small town I grew up in. There was simply nothing for me there.
So, right after graduation, I headed over to the local Army recruitment office and enlisted. It was not patriotism, not a sense of ‘duty to country’. I just knew I needed to get away from Lanham. I remember my mom being deeply upset. I assured her I knew what I was doing (I didn’t), and everything would be fine. Turns out, I was right! Not even two weeks after graduating high school, I was on a plane heading to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma!!
I had attended school in a non-diverse, mostly white district in Lanham because of busing. Being in the Army Reserve opened a whole new world of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and belief systems. I saw a wider view of the world I would never have known, finding community with Blacks, Asians, Europeans and Latin-x folks from all parts of the country!
I realized then that THIS was what I really needed and wanted, spaces where differences did not make me so ‘different’ because when you are a soldier you are (or are supposed to be) ALL TOGETHER, no matter what. Joining the military may not be for everyone, but I would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and meet, engage with and get to know those different from yourself. I have never regretted one day of my military experiences nor meeting the amazing men and women I served with.
A Note from Flourish:
James’ words leave us wanting to understand more about the significant impact Black service men and women have had in the military and in our country. Here are three different films and podcasts we’re exploring this month:
Black Uniform, an Amazon documentary, features the voices of 12 Black veterans serving between WWII and present day speaking on why they entered the military and what they've given to their country. This heartfelt film shares their experiences and highlights the role that Black men and women have played in defending our country's freedoms despite facing unique challenges on the battlefield and at home.
In The Six Triple Eight (on Netflix), Tyler Perry honors the stories of the U.S. Army’s 6888th division, the largest group of Black servicewomen to serve overseas in World War II.
Finally, we’re listening to Harold Brown’s story. A fighter pilot in WWII, POW, and Korean War veteran who later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Brown experienced firsthand how the military's integration preceded and helped influence broader civil rights progress in America. (NPR American Experience Presents the American Veteran podcast)
