Barbara Pearson-Upchurch Oral History
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Oral history interview with Barbara Pearson-Upchurch
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Primarily documents the life of Barbara C. Pearson-Upchurch and her service with the United States Army National Guard. Pearson-Upchurch recalls joining the Army National Guard and believing she was perceived by the public as equal to the males; the most rewarding thing for her was being able to engage, defend, and represent the United States in uniform; and the long-lasting relationships she's had with her peers and senior leadership. She describes feeling as if she was a mentor to the younger soldiers when she returned to the National Guard after so many years, by making sure they were physically trained, motivated, and completing the proper schools, but also how she wishes she had had a mentor in her youth to push her along and encourage her. Pearson-Upchurch describes seeing how opportunities for women in the service have changed over the years, as well as the way they are treated, because they have more of a voice and more support now.
