1 50 1 https://omeka-test.library.appstate.edu/files/original/d141897cf0965b59d2837ac88fc17d08.pdf 6a149dc2378c19c22f187d8dae50ef3d PDF Text Text Name: Branch: Years Served: Conflicts: Date of Interview: Michelle Holmquist (1st Sergeant, retired) U.S. Marine Corps 1990s-2000s None (Stationed in Persian Gulf) October 12, 2012 Brittany Thurman: Today is Friday October 12th and I’m at the Moose Lounge with Michelle Holmquist and we are… she served in the Persian Gulf and we are conducting an interview about her time served. What branch did you serve in? Michelle Holmquist: Marine Corps. Thurman: What was your rank at the time? Holmquist: A Gunnery Sergeant. Thurman: And where did you serve? Holmquist: In Kuwait and Southwest Asia. Thurman: What was the type of work that you prefer… performed while you were there? Holmquist: We were the reinforcements for the California 7th engineers’, ah from the east coast it was the 8th engineers, they moved out, we moved into their spot and just kind of leap throg… leap frogged threw the dessert. Thurman: Alrighty um. Were you drafted or did you choose to enlist? Holmquist: I chose to enlist. Thurman: And where were you living at the time that you choose to do that? Holmquist: Rochester, Minnesota. Thurman: What was your reason for joining? Holmquist: My brother inspired me… uh it’s a uh… I don’t know how to explain it, it just it comes from the heart you see it in people who have the talent and the ability to do it and I just idolized who he became after he went into the Marine Corps and I wanted to be just like him. Thurman: I understand that. Um… why did you pick the service branch that you choose? Holmquist: Because it was the service my brother served in. 1 �Thurman: Do you recall your first days in the service? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: What did it feel like? Holmquist: A little nerve-racking we flew into the smallest airport possible in South Carolina cause that’s the only place that women marines are trained… All of a sudden a drill instructor shows up and says alright everybody get on the bus go go go go hurry hurry hurry grab that bag etc. etc…. Uh they take you once you come on Parris Island they take you around the base at least for a half an hour or so you get confused on the area so if you decide you want try and leave you can’t cause you don’t know where you are. And the when the bus stops you get out, there’s another drill instructor standing there hollerin alright alright everybody on the yellow foot prints come on come on don’t grab that get your face, get your hands away from your face. Uh women are quite different then the men. Thurman: I can understand that. Um was that how your entire boot camp training experience was or was it a bunch of yelling or just ah just at the beginning and then you got into it? Holmquist: Just at the beginning, I think it was a ah… a shock treatment, because I later became a drill instructor so I understood the whole scenario um it’s a snap into you’re not a civilian anymore. We live a structured life and that’s how it goes. Thurman: Right. How did you get through it personally? Was it anything or was it just? Holmquist: I just loved it. Thurman: You just loved it? Holmquist: Yea. Thurman: Just enjoyed being there? Holmquist: Yep. Thurman: Um… You went, you were in the Persian Gulf correct? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Okay, Ah and you told me where exactly you went, can you repeat that one more time? Holmquist: Well when we first came in we came into the port in Kuwait um all of our equipment arrived off ship, mps ships which are prepositioned ships that hold brand new 2 �equipment, brand new everything. Our vehicles that we took here from the east coast… arrived on those ships so we had to wait cause every vehicles barcoded, what unit it goes to… we set up in the port there for thirty days in a fenced in compound till we got orders to move into the dessert behind 7th engineers. Thurman: Okay um…. What was your job assignment once you got there? Holmquist: I was actually ah the guard chief, I was the person who let the vehicles in the gate or didn’t let them in and during that time, I went in December of 1999, the California people, the 7th engineers went in August of that year, there was a lot of ah disruptive between the cultures, their women don’t show anything our peop… our women had to wear their sleeves down in a hundred and some degrees, top button buttoned the men they got to wear their tshirts and everything else. Um… when the vehicles come in for instance the port-a-john cleaners, I had to stop them run a mirror under em inspect them, they would sit in the vehicle and just totally ignore me and so fine I’d tell them to back the vehicle out you can’t come in here then. And then they you know… Thurman: I understand. Did you see any combat? Holmquist: No. Thurman: Okay. Did anyone in your um your unit see combat? Holmquist: Yes, our unit was the main unit used in the breach to go through the minefields. Thurman: Okay Um… were there any casualties in your unit? Holmquist: No. Thurman: Can you tell me about a couple of your most memorable experiences? Holmquist: The first one would have been ah for someone who doesn’t know anything about the dessert it is completely flat, noise bounces off nothing it just travels. We were very close to the naval hospital that was set up there, we were tasked to build over 2000 back boards cause we expected mass casualties when we went into the mine fields um… out of a fluke the hospital alarm went off no one knew what was going on no flare went up everyone was confused went to the cp (command post) uh my next equal in chain… in rank but a different position comes to me and says come on come on you’ve gotta calm these women down. We had probably 30 women in my command um… I go in there they’re down in a fox hole screaming, crying um… cause of the confusion you know. Thurman: Right right Holmquist: They were not, in my personal opinion, they were not trained right. 3 �Thurman: Were not ready for that? Holmquist: No they weren’t. Uh… another incident that sticks in my mind the gas alarm went off which means don’t leave your tent, don’t do anything, get all the way in your gear mask everything. My roommate who was equal to my rank runs out the door in panic because she wants to go to the CO’s (commanding officers) tent because she knows the CO will be safe. Um… and our chaplain who’s supposed to comfort everyone steals the truck and tries to out run the gas. Thurman: Really? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Wow. Holmquist: Yes. I was at about ten years later at a Easter morning sunrise service and he was the guy speaking. I was just shocked that he was still in the Navy. Thurman: Wow. Yeah I would be too. Holmquist: Yeah haha. Thurman: For you to run from that then… Holmquist: Yeah he just left us all behind. Thurman: Were you awarded any medals or citations? Holmquist: No… the service medals that you earned by being in country. Thurman: Okay. How did you stay in touch with your family while you were there? Holmquist: They set up ah… a how do I say it, a huge satellite system. At&t came in and did so my personal opinion was like okay our security was gone, At&t was there whatever we were saying they were hearing so. Thurman: Yeah. So im guessing you didn’t like… Holmquist: That or letters. Thurman: Okay. What was the food like? Holmquist: Food was awesome! 4 �Thurman: Really? Holmquist: My unit has their own laundry service, their own ah… heavy equipment chow hall we had every… electrical we have… we ourse… our unit was self-sufficient. Thurman: Wow that’s nice. Holmquist: So yeah I was very comfortable. Thurman: And you had plenty of supplies? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Okay. Did you feel and pressure or stress while you were there? Holmquist: The stress of the unknown I guess. Thurman: Okay understandable. Was there something special you did for good luck or had with you for good luck? Holmquist: Not that I remember uh… no because its… its something you feel with your Teammates, it’s a camaraderie. You know I know you have my back so luck really wasn’t a part of it. Thurman: Right. I understand that. How did people entertain themselves during downtime? Holmquist: Played cards mostly. Uh… football, basketball sand was pretty hard. hahaha Thurman: Could bounce a ball on it. Holmquist: Yeah Haha Thurman: Um… were there any entertainers? Whether there on their own encounter or within your group? Holmquist: Not that I saw. Thurman: Okay alright. What did you do while you were on leave? Holmquist: I did not get leave in-between that tour which was only six months long cause it ended so quickly. Thurman: Okay. Do you recall any particularly humorous or unusual event while being over 5 �there? Other than the… the chaplain taking the truck and running away. Holmquist: hahaha. The only other humorous thing I can think of and it’s more so just a personal thing um… I always went on the mail run that was part of my job, to escort the corporal who drove the truck to go get mail and I always ate a bunch of sunflower seeds. So here I have this big wad of sunflower seeds and everybody said gunny I didn’t know you dipped, I said I don’t dip. They’re like what’s that wad in your mouth? Thurman: Sunflower seeds? Holmquist: Sunflower seeds. Thurman: I understand that. Do you have any photographs from your time over there? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Who are the people in the photographs? Just y’all or just scenery or? Holmquist: Um… some with myself and my brother when he came to visit um… a lot of the tactical set-up so people at home could understand. Thurman: What you were talking about when you came back? Holmquist: Yep. Yep. Thurman: Did you keep a personal diary while you were there? Holmquist: No. Thurman: Okay. Do you recall the day your service ended? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Where were you? Holmquist: On the parade deck. Thurman: What… What did you do during the days and weeks afterwards? Holmquist: Uh… that’s kinda hard to explain, most… most marines will take their earned leave that they have waiting and leave the service early, and just wait for their check to arrive. I worked because by that time I was a First Sergeant, I worked right up till the last day, I commanded my own ceremony. Um… and the next day I woke up and said now what am I 6 �gonna do? And the hardest part about that was nobody asked my opinion, nobody cared for it, you know I’m just another retiree. Thurman: Did you work or go back to school or did you just retire? Holmquist: Actually I opened my own business. Thurman: Really? Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: What kind of business is that? Holmquist: I mount military metals for the uniforms and ribbons and make military display cases. Thurman: Wow, nice. Was your… sorry um… Did you make any close friendships while in the service? Holmquist: Always. Thurman: Did you keep… do you continue to… Holmquist: Yes. All women. Thurman: Okay. And clearly you’ve joined a veteran’s organization. Holmquist: Yes. Thurman: Here at the Moose Lounge. Okay um… Holmquist: Well the Moose is not a veteran’s organization it’s a community organization. Thurman: Mhm… Right Holmquist: But yes I am a member of the VFW and the… the American Legion. Thurman: Alright cool. Um… Did your military experience influence your thinking about war or about the military in general? Holmquist: I look at it like uh… when I look back now I’ve been retired for thirteen fourteen years, when I see the teenagers today, okay we’ll use China as a prime example. They go to school seven days a week, they’re very competitive, they must serve, every child male or female must serve two years in the service, it instills discipline. 7 �Thurman: Yeah. Holmquist: We do not… you know we don’t do that. Thurman: Yeah. Holmquist: I might have got off track on that question. Thurman: No that’s fine. Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t covered yet in this interview? Holmquist: Do your part and serve! Thurman: Thank you very much for your time and your interview. (Background after the interview) Holmquist: Now the other gentleman who is going to come out here… 8 � https://omeka-test.library.appstate.edu/files/original/d39515f9e28ee8f01c80eac91e03f605.mp3 699c1b5cf00c0e010ecb467d2febcb00 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Appalachian State University American Military History Course Veterans Oral History Project Description An account of the resource Each semester, the students of the American Military History Course at Appalachian State University conduct interviews with military veterans and record their military experiences in order to create an archive of oral history interviews that are publicly accessible to researchers. The oral histories are permanently available in the Appalachian State University Special Collections. The project is supervised by Dr. Judkin Browning, Associate Professor of History at Appalachian State University and all interviews are transcribed by the student interviewers. Copyright Notice: Copyright for the Veterans Oral History Project’s audio and transcripts is held by Appalachian State University. These materials are available for free personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that proper citation is used (e.g. Veterans Oral History Project, University Archives and Records, Special Collections, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC). Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. File size 84 KB 7.9 MB Format, digital MP3 Military Branch military branch (U.S. Army, etc) U.S. Marine Corps Officer Rank Officer rank (major, private, etc) 1st Seargant Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thurman; Brittany Holmquist; Michelle Interviewer The person(s) performing the interview. Thurman, Brittany Interviewee The person(s) being interviewed. Holmquist, Michelle Interview Date 10/12/2012 Number of pages 8 Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 0:13:48 Date digitized 2/5/2015 Checksum alphanumeric code 46b08be6c8e5f049816587b246a3bc1a 699c1b5cf00c0e010ecb467d2febcb00 Scanned by Leah McManus Equipment Adobe Acrobat XI Pro Resolution 300 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright for the Veterans Oral History Project's audio and transcripts is held by Appalachian State University. These materials are available for free personal; non-commercial; and educational use; provided that proper citation is used. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived UA.5018. American Military History Course Records Recording rate A/V rate (48,000kzh x 16 bit) 48000kzh x 16 bit Format, original Electronic File Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 5018_Holmquist_Michelle_20121012_transcript_M 5018_Holmquist_Michelle_20121012_audio_A Title A name given to the resource Interview with Michelle Holmquist, 1st Sergeant, retired [October 12, 2012] Type The nature or genre of the resource Oral History Language A language of the resource English English Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thurman, Brittany Holmquist, Michelle Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a title="UA.5018. American Military History Course Records" href="https://appstate-speccoll.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/167" target="_blank">UA.5018. American Military History Course Records</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright for the Veterans Oral History Project's audio and transcripts is held by Appalachian State University. These materials are available for free personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that proper citation is used. Description An account of the resource Michelle Holmquist, inspired by her brother, enlisted in the Marine Corps in the 1990s. She said basic training was a jolt because of the huge difference from civilian life, but she loved the experience. She served in the Persian Gulf War and was stationed in Kuwait and Southeast Asia as a gunnery sergeant. Subject The topic of the resource Holmquist, Michelle Veterans Persian Gulf War, 1991 Personal narratives, American Interviews United States gunnery seargeant Kuwait Marine Corps Michelle Homlquist Persian Gulf Southeast Asia