Grover Reed

Grover Reed, born on June 24, 1938, served in the United States Army for 3 years.

Rank/ position: E5.

Stationed/ deployed: Fort Devens, MA.

"When I took that test they told me I needed to join up," Grover said about what inspired him to join the Army.

His role or job during his service was intelligence. He said that he had a head position in the field and also worked with radio teletype.

When asked if he remembered his first day of service or boot camp and what it was like, he said that he went to Fort Leonard Wood for basic and that it was very difficult. "When we went to the rifle range I did really well."

Grover served around the time of the Vietnam War, Cold War, and civil rights movement. During his time in the Army, he traveled outside of the U.S. to the Mediterranean ocean and Ibiza and inside the U.S. he traveled to Massachusetts.

His favorite or proudest memories from his time in the military was when they said he made one of the best scores you can make when he took his test in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is very proud of his college degree in history and government. He also mentioned that he won a medal for rifle skills.

Those who stood out most in his memory while serving include: Vick Hribard and Redda Joe. He also had a partner named Felix Dulle, "We were friends and we knew each other very well."

Grover said waiting for promotions to climb ranks was the most challenging part of his service. Learning to adapt and becoming wiser are things he learned in the military and they still guide him today.

Words of advice or encouragement for today's service members: "They'll teach you what you need to do and they'll teach you how to work."