In 2007, Aretha Virginia Grayson joined the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a Director’s Secretary in Technology Centers 2100 and 2400. Ms. Grayson was the first African American to serve as a Board Member to the USPTO Military Association (UMA) from 2012-2016. She also served as treasurer from 2012-2014.
A Fairfax, Virginia native, Grayson enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1997 as a Fabric Repair Specialist. She attended Basic Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee, Virginia. Following her training, she embarked on a two year tour of active duty Kitzingen, Germany.
Grayson discovered a gift for singing after entering a student talent show at Groveton High School (now West Potomac). She continued honing her vocal talent as a soldier. While in Germany in 1999, she placed 3rd for the U.S. Army in the all-round female vocal completion. Upon her return to the United States in 2000, she earned a spot with the U.S. Army Entertainment’s USA Express Show Band. The show tour took her all over the East Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Korea, and Japan.
A year later she auditioned and made the cut for the 2001 U.S Army Soldier Show. She performed in over 100 shows for soldiers, families, and military officials across the country.
Following her end of active Regular Army tour in 2002, Grayson enlisted in the District of Columbia Army National Guard Reserves. She served as 257th Army Band’s featured vocalist from 2002-2006. It was there that she performed on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on the Capitol grounds. Grayson also performed in the Kentucky Brass Band Festival until her honorable service tour of duty ended.
Grayson has many accomplishments in and out of the military. She graduated from technical training programs including Strayer University and Washington Business School. She has also completed a multitude of musical education courses from Northern Virginia Community College. Ms. Grayson comes from a proud African American heritage and a family that values service. She has relatives who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. As a veteran she feels humbled, honored, and privileged to have served the United States of America.
Thank you Ms. Grayson for your dedication and service to our great nation.