HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Everyone needs a hobby, but for Sheri Gray one hobby just wasn’t enough.
In addition to playing three instruments – the piano, the guitar and the cello – Gray has also recently taken up golf.
“I’m not a very good golfer. I don’t play because I’m good at it but because I’m fascinated by it,” said Gray, a unit program coordinator with the 75th Force Support Squadron. “There’s something about it that keeps bringing me back. You have a couple shots each round that give you hope and keep you coming back. I enjoy it a lot.”
Gray was born in Korea and at the age of 14 months was adopted by a German-American family from the United States. Her hometown was St. Louis, Missouri, but she grew up living all over, including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Chicago. Her travels continued when she married an Air Force member, moving seven times in over two and half decades to various bases, including Aviano Air Base, Italy.
She said being a military spouse for 25 years has given her a unique perspective about the military. Her advice to new Airmen is to create relationships with smart people and know who to call when needing answers.
“My father always told me, ‘You don't have to be the smartest person in the room - you just have to know who is, and you don't have to have all of the answers, you just have to know whom to call,’” Gray said. “There will always be people who are more intelligent than you, whether because of their big brains or extensive experience, which is perfectly ok. Embrace opportunities to listen, learn, and ask questions of these super smart people, and be generous in sharing your gained knowledge with others.
She said there isn't enough time to know everything and that building relationships is crucial so you have a diverse network of people who have the answers you need.
Regarding Women’s History Month, Gray said it is important as it reminds us to celebrate and show gratitude to those who came before us, opening countless doors and championing the level of equality that we enjoy today.
"It is a time for education and discovery, to empower and be empowered, and to embrace and support one another," she said. "I love that no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from, you can find inspiration and commonality in the stories of multiple women we celebrate today and throughout history. I want to use these stories to unite and move together toward creating an even brighter future for those who follow in our footsteps."