Oral History Interview with Azelia Browning

Partial Transcript: I'm here with Azelia Consuela Browning.

Segment Synopsis: Browning was born in Indiana and grew up in Kentucky. She briefly describes her family and schooling.

Subjects: Childhood; Early life; Education; Indiana; Kentucky; Schools

Partial Transcript: What was your first exposure to the military?

Segment Synopsis: Browning had cousins that fought in the military. Browning says joined the military in part to pay for her education. Browning had a difficult time in her basic training and briefly describes the makeup and structure of the training. Browning trained for a military specialization in transportation. Browning recalls that her family had mixed feelings on her joining the military. After finishing her education, Browning worked at the 628th Transport Detachment in the Army. Ultimately, Browning would stick together with the other Kentuckians that she met in her detachment.

Keywords: 628th Transport Detachment; Family

Subjects: Basic training; Cousins; Education; Kentuckians; Kentucky; United States. Army; Women veterans

Partial Transcript: Pretty much the same routine that whole entire time?

Segment Synopsis: While Browning was on leave, she learned about the invasion of Kuwait and the start of the Gulf War. Subsequently, her unit was deployed to Kuwait and moved around a lot from group to group while in combat. Browning says there was a lot of training and guard duty. At first, many of the soldiers were very upbeat about the war situation, but spirits were dampened after a soldier was killed. Browning says that her duties changed each day depending on what assignments her unit needed to fill on that particular day.

Keywords: Guard duty

Subjects: Death; Kentucky; Kuwait; Mass casualties; Persian Gulf War, 1991; Soldiers; Training; United States. Army; Women in combat; Women veterans

Partial Transcript: So, did you all know prior to the kick-off?

Segment Synopsis: Browning says that military personnel were told repeatedly that the war would start in January. Browning stayed in contact with her family during this time of uncertainty. One of her former teachers had their students write letters to her. Browning was very worried about being killed in action, especially when a scud missile would be launched towards her base.

Keywords: Family

Subjects: Communication; Fear; Kuwait; Letters; Persian Gulf War, 1991; Scud missile; Teachers; United States. Army; Women veterans

Partial Transcript: Ok, so, let's kind of move on a little bit to the end

Segment Synopsis: After the Gulf War ended, Browning went back to her base and put in for her leave. Browning says that living in another country made her appreciate the U.S. more. Browning's family threw a homecoming party upon her return to the U.S. After three years of serving in the Army, Browning wanted to leave because she was concerned that a situation similar to the Gulf War would happen again. Browning later joined the National Guard.

Keywords: Homecoming party

Subjects: Kuwait; Military leaves and furloughs; Persian Gulf War, 1991; United States; United States. Army; United States. National Guard; Women veterans

Partial Transcript: Well, did you go back to school?

Segment Synopsis: Browning continued her education after leaving the Army and started a family. Her current rank is Sergeant and she hopes to retire from the National Guard. Browning likes that the military is becoming more diverse. She enjoyed her experience and believes it is a good place for people to get more direction in life and become more disciplined in the process.

Keywords: Daughter; Family; Military ranks; Sergeants

Subjects: Discipline; Diversity; Education; Retirement; United States. Army; United States. National Guard; Women veterans