Defying the Odds: From Humble Beginnings to National Competitor and Advocate [Image 3 of 3]

AUGUSTA, ME, UNITED STATES

11.24.0017

Photo by Sgt. Sarah Myrick 

121st Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Marina Gray, a petroleum supply specialist with the Maine Army National Guard earned the title of Miss Maine, USA on November 26, 2017. Gray will go on to compete at the national level Miss USA pageant this summer for a chance to represent the United States in the Miss Universe pageant. The Mount Desert Island native comes from humble beginnings overcoming many challenges she says helped shape her into the strong, independent woman she is today. Gray said above all she wants to give hope to children who grow up in situations like hers. They can still go after what they want and should never feel like they can’t achieve their goals
“I left home when I was 16 years old,” said Gray. “When I joined the Army at 17, the military immediately became my family and has supported me through the years.”
(Photo property of Clemente Productions)

• Date Taken: 11.24.0017
• Date Posted: 03.04.2018 13:13
• Photo ID: 4184495
• VIRIN: 171126-A-TY703-068
• Resolution: 214x320
• Size: 27 KB
• Location: AUGUSTA, ME, US