Despite her relatively young age, Major Charlotte Gray boasts an impressive 12-year career with the U.S. Air Force. Her service has taken her from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii and North Africa, earning her four medals along the way. Currently stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea, she leads seven programs and oversees two major missions.
Charlotte Gray’s early life was marked by instability, as she spent much of her childhood in foster care with her siblings. Her journey through various foster homes and group settings was challenging. However, she found a sense of stability and support at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries. For two years, she lived on the Greenwood campus before relocating more permanently to the Marie Younts campus in Mauldin in 2002.
Reflecting on her experience, Gray shared, “Being in foster care can be extremely disruptive. Constant changes—new faces, rules, and expectations—can be overwhelming. Marie Younts was the first long-term placement where I felt a sense of stability.”
Gray explained that her time at Marie Younts was different from previous placements. “Marie Younts was the first home-style environment I’d experienced since living with my biological family. The previous group homes were large and impersonal, which made it hard to feel settled. Having the chance to room with my sister made the transition easier and provided a sense of familiarity.”
Gray speaks fondly of Rebie Lewis and Rhetta Jones, who played pivotal roles in her life at Marie Younts. “Rebie and Rhetta were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of foster care. They taught me essential life skills and provided support while also bringing a playful and nurturing presence into my life. Though they weren’t my biological family, they offered the guidance and love I needed. I truly believe that we receive what we need from the people who are there for us.”
Jones and Lewis recall Gray’s transformation with pride. Jones observed that Gray excelled in organization and academics, eventually preparing herself for college. They have supported her every step of the way, from attending her undergraduate graduation at Charleston Southern University to pinning her lieutenant and captain bars during her military career. Despite being unable to attend her promotion to major due to COVID-19, they were there in spirit and celebrated her achievements, including her recent master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Gray’s journey to the Air Force wasn’t initially clear-cut. She developed a passion for psychology in high school and discovered that a degree in the field could be well-suited for a military career. Joining ROTC set her on this path, leading to her current role.
Gray acknowledges the challenges she has faced. “The Air Force motto, ‘Be a lifelong learner,’ underscores the ongoing training and growth required. Despite the difficulties, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything.”
Her favorite aspect of her Air Force career is the opportunity to travel and engage with diverse cultures. “Foster care exposed me to many people, but the Air Force has broadened my perspective even further. It’s shown me how much we have in common globally and made me more humble. Returning to Marie Younts always feels like coming home.”
Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries is honored to be part of Major Charlotte Gray’s journey and hopes that many more children in their care will achieve remarkable, service-oriented careers. As we “Cross the Threshold” into deeper childhood trauma healing, we celebrate the successes of our alumni like Charlotte.
