Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 7 April 2005 — Page 24

Page 24 • The Muncie Times • April 7, 2005

Local reservist returns from Kuwait

by Judy Mays This past Easter was a time of double celebration for the family of Crystal Yevette Grumes. Grumes,

39, had just returned home from serving in Kuwait for the past 8 months. In fact, celebration was exactly the feel in Price Hall with decorations, flowers, a pictorial collage, gifts an abundance of food and about 50 smiling faces. “We’re just so glad to have her home,” said her mother, Joyce Marshel. Marshel was busy greeting family members and friends as she alternately smiled, gave hugs and wiped away joyful tears. “This is a special Easter holiday,” said one family member. “Easter is the season to celebrate the love and resurrection of Christ. It is a time of renewal and hope. Crystal’s safe return home is reason (for us) to also celebrate the hope and renewal of our family connection.” Juanita West, Grumes’ maternal grandmother said, “we are all so happy. While Crystal was in Kuwait, I prayed morning, noon and night for her safe return.” And of course. Grumes voiced her thanksgiving. “I

am just so happy to see everyone and to be home,” she said. Grumes entered the U.S. Navy in 1985 and was honorably discharged as an E-4 in late November of

1988. She has served in the Naval Reserves for the past 16 years. “I was really motivated by my grandmother (the late Alice Edwards McIntosh Kelley) to join the military. I was also inspired by my brother, (Byron L. Smith) and my cousin, (Darren “Tony” Phillips) to join the Navy,” Grumes said. “At the last moment I was ready to back out but my cousin, Tony encouraged me to join and I did,” she added. Grumes said it (the Navy) was a good fit, a good decision that helped her to get a college education. Recalling her recent military assignment, Grumes said her job was to get supplies to the front line. “We worked in squads at 14 hour shifts a day in 104 degrees temperature,” said the petite reservist. “I think the scariest moment for me was when we had to do target practice in the middle of the desert about 10 miles from Iraq. I knew then it was me and the Lord. I know He helped me through it all.”

When asked what this mission meant to her Grumes responded: “I felt it was a good cause-to support the troops by getting supplies to the front line. I also gained a greater appreciation for the United States. Kuwait was a humbling experience and I truly learned not to take little things for granted. I learned how I don’t want to be treated and in that respect how to better treat others. I also learned what it takes to be a good leader. The first thing is to be a good follower; secondly, care about the morale and welfare of those you lead.” Grumes said the hardest moment for her was being away from home during her birthday and especially the Christmas-New Year holiday. “I really missed being away from my family and the worship experience of my church, New Life Worship Center of Indianapolis,” she said. But, what got her through the rough spots was the love, prayers and support of family, friends, her church and even her employer, Roll Coater. “And the support wasn’t just for me but for the troops and those who were stationed with me, Grumes added. “There was such an abundance of support from home that kept our morale up. There were so many care packages that anyone could go to the CDO office to get supplies, food and personal items.” While Grumes and her fellow squad members were away from their respective church experience, they were yet united in a collective worship experience. “I participated in a woman’s ministry and choir while in Kuwait. It

Reunited and it feels so good... A smiling Grumes is reunited with family at Indianapolis airport

was great. We encouraged each other on the good and bad days quoting scriptures and sharing testimonies.” The attractive, soft spoken Grumes received the honor of being recognized as Sailor of the Quarter in

2002.

She also received the following commendation: Commander Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Forces Forward Bravo takes pleasure in presenting a Letter of Commendation to: Boatswain Mate Second Class Crystal Y. Grumes, United States Naval Reserve for service set forth in the following citation; For

professional achievement in thej superior performance! of her duties while] serving as] Worldwide Port] System Operator fo NAVELSF Forward! Bravo from August 2004, petty Officer Grumes has consistently] performe demanding duties in*

an exemplary and A ha PPy uncle Gregory Edwards poses highly professional with a ver V ha PPy mother ’ J °y ce

generated Material Shipping Labels (MSL) where required/authorized and (7) provided system reports to the yards and the Tactical Operation Center, Petty Officer Grumes exceptional professionalism, initiative, and loyal dedication to duty reflected great credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United Nations of the United States Naval

Service”.

C.L. Howard

Captain Supply Corps United States Naval

Reserve

So, what does the future hold for Grumes? “I plan

manner by working outside her rate. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her work and contributed to the mission effectiveness by means of (1) accurately tracked over 53,000 pieces of equipment in 3 months, averaging 589 pieces per day for 16 vessels; (2) assisted in the training of additional personnel on scanner procedures; (3) daily reconciliation of counts between WPS and all Marshalling Yards; (4) performed lane audits; (5) worked with Army to ensure system integrity; (6)

Marshel

to return to my job in account management at Roll Coater, build a home and to be more involved in my church and community,” she said. Grumes is a Muncie native and 1982 graduate of Muncie Central High School. Grumes is also a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan College with a degree in Business Administration. She is enjoying a visit with the parents Otis and Joyce Marshel of Muncie but now resides in Indianapolis.