PHOTO: Staff Sgt. Daniel Trojecki and Lt. Col. Shanon Cotta unveil the portrait of Staff Sgt. Harold Gray at Camp Chamberlain in Augusta Sept. 13. (Maine National Guard Maj. Carl Lamb photo)
AUGUSTA — The portrait of Staff Sgt. Harold Gray was unveiled for all to see on Sept. 13 in front of family, friends and fellow soldiers at Camp Chamberlain.
Gray died in February, ultimately because of wounds he received in 2004 while serving in Iraq with Company A, 133rd Engineer Battalion.
“Today is a somber occasion, but it also a time for us to celebrate Harold’s life and everything he gave to us during his service,” said Brig. Gen. Dean Preston. “Staff Sergeant Gray left a lasting impact on everyone who had the honor of serving with him. I challenge all our soldiers, past and present, to never forget the sacrifice made by Staff Sergeant Gray, and all the honorable men and women pictured alongside him. They embody the selfless service we are all striving to achieve.
Preston was Gray’s company commander during Gray’s final deployment and now is land component commander of the Maine Army National Guard.
One of Gray’s closest friends, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Trojecki, talked about the bonds he and Gray developed leading up to and during the deployment. “It was a kind of brotherhood you can only form in that environment,” said Trojecki, referencing the shared hardships that bring Soldiers together.
Lt. Col. Shanon Cotta took a few moments to describe “the larger-than-life figure that was Harold Gray.”
Cotta was Gray’s platoon leader during the 2004 Iraq deployment. In addition to praising his willingness to perform any battlefield mission and his skills as a heavy equipment operator, Cotta also recounted the “quiet grace” and profound impact that Gray had on caregivers and staff during the many years he spent at the Togus VA medical center.
The portrait, drawn by retired Master Sgt. Angie Blevins, will be displayed in the main drill hall of Camp Chamberlain alongside the nine other fallen Maine Army National Guard soldiers that have lost their lives since 9/11. Dog tags with Gray’s name and rank will also be hung on the battlefield cross memorials at both Camp Chamberlain and in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House.
Soldiers’ portraits displayed at Camp Chamberlain, with their date of death:
Sgt. Christopher D. Gelineau, 133rd Engineer Battalion, April 20, 2004;
Staff Sgt. Lynn R. Poulin, 133rd Engineer Battalion, Dec. 21, 2004;
Sgt. Thomas J. Dostie, 133rd Engineer Battalion, Dec. 21, 2004;
1st Sgt. Michael D. Jones, 133rd Engineer Battalion, March 3, 2005;
Staff Sgt. Dale J. Kelly, “B” Company, 3/172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), May 6, 2006;
Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka, “B” Company, 3/172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), May 6, 2006;
Capt. Patrick D. Damon, 240th Engineer Group, June 15, 2006;
Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 1/152nd Field Artillery Battalion, June 14, 2007;
Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Wing, “C” Company, 1/126th Aviation Regiment, Aug. 27, 2012;
Staff Sgt. Harold J. Gray, 133rd Engineer Battalion, Feb. 4, 2020.
