AL ASAD, Iraq -- There aren’t many opportunities for service members here to remove themselves from the stressors of war. One Marine assigned to the headquarters squadron of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (Reinforced) wants to make a difference.
Lance Cpl. Troy M. Gray, an administrative clerk on his first tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, uses his down time and passion for dance to lead a dance ministry for the gospel chapel services.
“The dance ministry is about praising, worshiping and keeping people in the spirit,” said Gray. “The dancers act out the lyrics of the song and people relate more to that because it serves as a visual aid.”
Gray’s love for dance is inspired by the late Alvin Ailey, a dancer and choreographer, and the late Gregory Hines, a dancer, actor, choreographer, and performer.
Originally from Greensboro, N.C., Gray started dancing at age seven and has led and been part of several dance groups at churches in the United States. “I started 13 years ago and I’ve been dancing ever since.”
Eight female Marines and soldiers comprise the group under Gray’s direction, but he said all service members, male or female, are welcome to be part of it. “There are no requirements; if you feel the spirit come and join us,” he said.
The dance ministry falls under and umbrella of the ministry of arts, which is part of the gospel chapel services, and performs the second and last Sundays of the month.
According to Gray, it gives the members of the dance group a chance to show their passion for God and takes their minds off some of the issues they might be going through.
“Let’s say they had a bad day at work,” said Gray. “Dance practice frees their mind. They’re in a Christian environment and they’re not worrying about the rest of the day. It’s just them, music and their connection with God.”
The dance ministry also benefits some of the service members here by offering them something else to look forward to when they attend church services.
“When most people go to church they mostly see people singing,” said Gray. “Here, not only do they get the word and praise-singing, they also get praise-dancing. This is the total package.”
Army Capt. William Butler, protestant chaplain assigned to the 1297th Corps Support Battalion here, said the dance ministry and the word of God also give service members here a connection with home.
“Worship not only provides a way for the people to exercise their first amendment right, it balances and encourages the morale of the troops,” said the Bel Air, Md., native. “We received what Lance Corporal Gray offered us with open arms.”
Gray said he’s also noticed the number of service members in church increase as the number of participants in the dance group grows.
“The dance group members have friends who they invite to see them dance,” said Gray. “Once they come and hear the word, they like what they hear and tend to come back.”
Butler said that in his almost 30 years in the military he never saw service members from different armed forces have such a strong relationship like that of the members of the dance group.
“To see soldiers and Marines come together is amazing,” he said. “Lance Corporal Gray and our chapel services are helping with that.”
Chief Warrant Officer Charles D. Willis, systems planning engineer officer with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, said Gray’s dedication and professionalism to leading the dance ministry are admirable.
“Lance Corporal Gray works at Marine Aircraft Group 26 and has several other duties,” said Willis, minister of arts originally from Clarksville, Tenn. “Even though he has several other things to do he still coordinates times to practice and when he shows up he’s very enthusiastic. Anybody else would be tired and decide to skip practice but Lance Corporal Gray’s perseverance is very inspiring.”
While there aren’t any schools for performing arts or dance clubs around here where service members with talent can show off their moves, the dance ministry gives them an opportunity to practice their skills while improving their relationship with God.
- For more information about the personnel reported on in this story, please contact Sgt. Juan Vara by e-mail at varaj@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil -