A Woman, A Mechanic, A Mother - Navigating the Complex Terrain of Life and Service
In the rhythmic hum of heavy machinery, Genally David, a 28-year-old single mother and seasoned heavy equipment mechanic, unveils a story of resilience and contradiction.
From the barracks of Fort Bragg to the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan, her journey weaves through the tangled threads of gender bias, military sacrifice, and the vigor of being a single mother.
Genally David was taking a selfie at her station in Korea. Korea was one of the worst places for David as she was harassed and abused by her fellow soldiers.
Photo by: G. David
The Military: Where Mission Comes First, Humanity Second
Serving as a mechanic in the Army for six and a half years, Genally faced discrimination based on gender stereotypes.
Serving as a heavy equipment mechanic in the Army, she encountered challenges in the United States and during her deployment to South Korea.With her last name being David, people thought she was a man.
After shocking other soldiers to no surprise that this highly experienced soldier was a woman, the sex discrimination was like no other.
“They questioned my abilities based on gender stereotypes, and it was disheartening to face discrimination before they even saw or heard me,” Genally said.
They constantly ridiculed her for being a woman in a male-dominated field. Despite excelling in her role, Genally was beaten and threatened to be thrown out of the Army by male soldiers.
But watching her single mother of five reach the top of her ranks at her office job at a major entertainment company, she knew that men could not put her down.
“My mom was a single mother, and her work ethic is amazing. So it drove me in. Gave me the ambition to be very competitive in this very male-dominated field. And actually, in a lot of my years, the military. I was one of the best mechanics in a couple of my units just because of constantly work would work on weekends or on holidays, even when we didn’t have to.”
Her commitment to excellence, evident in her role as one of the best mechanics in her units, was a double-edged sword, blurring the lines between duty and personal well-being. The constant mantra that ‘the mission comes first’ shaped her identity to the point where work became synonymous with life.
As Genally peels back the layers of her military experience, she reflects on the pervasive culture of what she describes as “brainwashing.” Her journey often demanded sacrifices beyond the battlefield, consciously and unconsciously.
Afghanistan: A Journey Through Hell and Back
The smoke of war became entwined with her struggles.
“Let’s put it this way. I don’t smoke. But when I got there, I started smoking… Just because of everything that was going on. I was getting mad because of people. All these people who wanted to go down range. They all wanted to be a soldier and a hero. They got their medals, but it was not worth it,” Genally said as tears fell down her face.
As a witness to her brothers and sisters in arms dying every day, traumatic is too simple of a word. But what hurt her the most was seeing the struggles of civilians because of the military’s involvement in the world.
Afghanistan has a beautiful countryside with snowy hills according to Genally. She was devastated that this beauty was used as a terrain for war and bloodshed.
From the Brainwashed Barracks to Reality: A New Chapter for a Better Future
After serving in South Korea, Germany, Afghanistan, and parts of the U.S., being pregnant ended her time as a soldier.
Being brought back into reality from being a tool for American sovereignty, she now desires peace and no military. When asked if she was proud, she was uncertain.
“I don’t know. The civilians, I see. What I had to go through in Afghanistan. What my brothers and sisters in arms every branch has to go through. Is it worth it? I don’t know. I truly don’t…It felt like we were guinea pigs,” Genally said.
She became furious towards the actions of the United States military and described everything they do as “really fucked up.”
Leaving the military marked a pivotal moment–a decision fueled by the desire to raise her son and escape the gravitational pull of a life consumed by duty.
The Heart of the Matter: A Toddler, a Mother, and the Pursuit of Happiness
In her new life of parenting, Genally David has finally found happiness with her son. David is seen with her sister, niece, and son, at San Mateo Senior Center during a friend's baby shower. “It is a rare sighting for my son to hang with his family,” David said.
Photo by: N. Fernandez
Genally’s heart beats for her son, the driving force behind her resilience and unwavering determination. Her journey takes on an intimate and profoundly personal hue. Her son, a mere toddler, becomes the compass guiding her through the uncharted territories of parenthood.
Without familial support, she paints a vivid picture of love, sacrifice, and the challenges inherent in raising a child while navigating the demanding landscapes of her professional life.
Genally’s determination is fueled by her personal ambition and an innate desire to provide her son with a life defined by stability and happiness. The sacrifices she makes echo beyond her professional endeavors, resonating in the late nights spent working, the missed weekends, and the tears shed in solitude.
At its core, she is a mother of unwavering commitment to crafting a better future for her child. In this future, resilience, love, and the pursuit of happiness intertwine, transcending the boundaries of duty and industry.
Genally’s journey is more than a chronicle of professional triumphs and environmental consciousness; it’s a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring pursuit of a life defined by purpose and love. In navigating the complex terrain of life and service, Genally David emerges not just as a woman, mechanic, or mother but as a symbol of resilience, defying stereotypes and embodying the indomitable spirit of those who navigate life’s intricate landscapes with courage and unwavering determination.
