The office of Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) honored Ruby Hendley Murray of Albemarle with a surprise presentation from the U.S. military and veterans memorial officials, to celebrate her 100th birthday and her service as a Navy nurse on Friday in Albemarle. Murray, born in Burnsville, is a graduate of Pfeiffer University (then known as Pfeiffer College) in Stanly County, where she trained to be a nurse and eventually led her to join the U.S. Navy.
Kissell’s office organized a surprise presentation on behalf of U.S. Navy officials and secured a permanent place to honor Murray in the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington. Dr. Betty Moseley Brown, Associate Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Women Veterans, and Penny Greer-Link, Women Veteran Program Manager of the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center delivered the presentation for Mrs. Murray.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to help recognize Mrs. Murray for her service to our great nation,” said Kissell. “Her service is an example of the hard work of a generation that is so integral to our communities, then and now. The addition of Mrs. Murray’s story into the Women in Military Service for America Memorial is a wonderful honor for her and her family, and I am happy to have joined Mrs. Murray’s loved ones in assisting with this honor.”
Murray’s niece, Jean Hendley of Mt. Gilead, worked with Kissell’s office to arrange the surprise presentation to celebrate her aunt’s 100th birthday. Hendley thanked Kissell for the surprise birthday recognition and visiting with Murray.
“Aunt Ruby and I were pleasantly surprised at the recognition she received for her service as a WWII Navy Nurse, thanks to Congressman Kissell’s efforts,” said Hendley. “Her birthday was made all the more special thanks to Congressman Kissell.”















