Veterans Day Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� University Hosts Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 11

Office of University Communications — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:20:06 +0000

Robert ‘Navy Bob’ Roncska Honors the Sacrifices of Veterans and Inspires Service to Others

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska, who served in the Nuclear Navy, the White House and in health care, was the guest speaker for �۶�ֱ�� University’s Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Tucker Student Center. He delivered a tribute to veterans and their families, emphasizing that “freedom is not free—it is paid for by courage, sacrifice, and love.”

The �۶�ֱ�� ROTC presented the colors to begin the service. The national anthem was performed by Dr. Robert Harrelson, a retired senior master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force and a �۶�ֱ�� adjunct voice faculty member.

�۶�ֱ�� President Nate Evans gave the welcome and invocation. “As a University community, we are proud to stand with our veterans, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and neighbors whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire us,” Evans declared. “To each veteran here, and to all who have served, we say, ‘Thank you. Your example reminds us what it means to live with purpose, integrity and devotion—devotion to something greater than ourselves.’”

Roncska recognized the sacrifices veterans and their families are called to make, such as missed birthdays and times of anxious waiting. As a retired Navy leader who served 28 years in the nuclear submarine force, he highlighted the sacrifices of submariners, noting that during World War II, the submarine force lost 52 vessels and 3,500 men. “So many never came home,” he reflected. “They gave their one and only life so that they we could live ours in freedom. When you think about that kind of sacrifice, the sheer cost of liberty, it makes you pause and realize just how precious this life truly is.”

Then, Roncska shared that the odds of being born are “one in 400 trillion.” Considering, the odds of winning the lottery are one in 292 million, he challenged the audience: “You already hit the jackpot. What are you doing with your winnings?” Roncska continued, “Whose life will you touch with your presence? Whose pain will you ease with your experience? Whose day will you change with your compassion?”

The speech also included a personal story of helping a sailor and his wife overcome bureaucratic obstacles to start a family. “That was my greatest accomplishment in life,” Roncska said, after receiving a photo of their daughter Caroline and a note that read, “You and God are the only reasons why my sweet Caroline is here.”

Quoting Mr. Rogers—“Love and success, always in that order”—Roncska emphasized that true leadership is rooted in service. “Whether you’re leading a team, a classroom, or a family, success comes when we care for one another,” he said. “Our legacy isn’t what we’ve done for ourselves, but what we have done for others. As I told the students earlier this morning, at �۶�ֱ�� you get so much more than an education. You get a lesson in life—of service to others, which is the greatest gift you could ever have gotten.”

The program closed with �۶�ֱ�� senior Lindy Bryson singing America the Beautiful, and a prayer by Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott.

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �۶�ֱ�� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at .

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�۶�ֱ�� to Honor Veterans with Service and Inspiring Message of Leadership

Office of University Communications — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:39:16 +0000

Robert ‘Navy Bob’ Roncska Shares his ‘Leading with Love’ Philosophy at Nov 11 Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University will host its annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center. The guest speaker is Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska, who served in the Nuclear Navy, the White House and in health care. His mission is to promote and teach “Leading with Love” to foster positive cultures.

Robert ‘Navy Bob’ Roncska

The service will include the presentation of colors, the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” prayer, scripture reading, and special music. The �۶�ֱ�� ROTC will also participate.

“�۶�ֱ�� University is deeply grateful for the men and women who have served our nation with courage and conviction,” stated Interim GWU President Nate Evans. “Veterans Day reminds us of the immense sacrifices made in defense of freedom, and we are honored to pause and say thank you. Their service calls us to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and use our lives in service to others.”

Veterans Day is observed on a date steeped in historical meaning, rooted in the end of World War I. The observance dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the month (11th), day (11th) and time (11 a.m.) in 1918 when fighting ended in World War I. On that date, U.S. and allied forces emerged victorious in a conflict once deemed “the war to end all wars.” Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

As a commanding officer of fast-attack nuclear submarines, Roncska led his crew with a people-first approach that proved vital to their safety and success, earning his ship recognition as the best-performing in its squadron. He didn’t bark orders—he built trust. Throughout his career, he has proven that a culture of love and compassion can fuel remarkable results.

Roncska describes his signature “Leading with Love” philosophy in his book “Beyond the Sea.” Through powerful stories with actionable takeaways, he guides attendees through practical steps and tools for implementing compassion in their own teams. He shows how a supportive, people-centered approach can improve retention, foster open communication, and ultimately drive success across industries.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

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�۶�ֱ�� University Hosts Annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11

Office of University Communications — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:06:30 +0000

Purple Heart Recipient and Pastor, Cpl. Brandon Blair, Speaks on Sacrifice and Surrender

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C., spoke at �۶�ֱ�� University’s Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. �۶�ֱ�� hosts the annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country—in war and in peace—through a branch of the U.S. military.

To begin the service, the �۶�ֱ�� ROTC presented the colors. Junior Lindy Bryson sang the national anthem, and senior ROTC Cadet Silas Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.

In his welcome and invocation, �۶�ֱ�� University President Dr. William M. Downs gave the history of the nation’s recognition of military veterans. The observance dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the month (11th), day (11th) and time (11 a.m.) in 1918 when fighting ended in World War I. On that date, U.S. and allied forces emerged victorious in a conflict once deemed “the war to end all wars.” Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

Downs observed, “Today, we gather in this chapel on the campus of our beloved University in the heart of this great college town to celebrate and honor our veterans—the men and the women who have served their country during times of war and during times of peace as members of the United States Armed Forces. And in this chapel where so many have heard and answered God’s call, we turn our attention to all those who have heard and honorably answered a different call, a call of duty, a call of service to our nation.”

Downs asked the veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized. They stood to the applause of the audience. Downs gave the invocation, which was followed by a scripture reading from 2 Samuel 22:1-4 by Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, who served as second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott introduced the speaker. A Purple Heart recipient, Blair fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), completing two full combat tours. He attended Southeastern and Fruitland Baptist Bible College for biblical studies. Blair and his wife, Tristan, have three children, Southern, Willow, and Gunner.

Blair noted that both a soldier and a Christian are called to sacrifice and surrender their lives. He stated that in the Bible, Jesus instructs his disciples to pick up their crosses and lay down their lives. “If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, what are you willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ?” Blair asked. “I found that people are willing to sacrifice if it’s worth it to do. Men and women in uniform are willing to lay down their lives because it is worth it to them. God gave his only son Jesus to die on the cross willingly for the sins of man, because it was worth it to him. Jesus willingly laid down his life on the cross because you were worth it to him. Is it worth it to you to follow Jesus with all of your life?”

He was alone in a hospital room when he answered that question and surrendered his life to serve God. Blair had survived a near fatal wound on Aug. 16, 2006, while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. An enemy sniper shot him in the chest with armor-piercing rounds that have the ability to go through armored vehicles. “I am a walking, talking miracle … God spared my life,” he affirmed. “I told God that day that if he would save my life, I would change my life. I would lay down my life for him. I thank God that the military gave me a Purple Heart. Thank the Lord; he gave me a brand, new life.”

To end the service, Bryson sang “America the Beautiful,” and Parrott gave the closing prayer.

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�۶�ֱ�� University will Celebrate Veterans Day with Service on Nov. 11

Office of University Communications — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:36:34 +0000

The Featured Speaker is Purple Heart Recipient and Pastor, Cpl. Brandon Blair

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University will host a Veterans Day Service on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. The featured speaker is Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C.�� The service is open to the campus community and to the public.

The nation’s recognition of military veterans dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day” to commemorate the month (11th), day (11th) and time (11 a.m.) in 1918 when fighting ended in World War I. On that date, U.S. and allied forces emerged victorious in a conflict once deemed “the war to end all wars.” Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

Cpl. Brandon Blair

�۶�ֱ�� hosts an annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country—in war and in peace—through a branch of the U.S. military.

�۶�ֱ�� University President Dr. William M. Downs will provide greetings and give the invocation.

“We all owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who have kept our country safe,” shared Downs. “I am proud to be at a university where we take time to acknowledge our veterans and to thank them for their service. Each year this service gives us a chance to reflect on such core values as duty, bravery, and sacrifice. I invite local veterans to attend so that we may share our appreciation.”

Addressing veterans and all those in attendance at the GWU service will be Blair, who served in the Marine Corps infantry as a machine gunner. Blair fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), completing two full combat tours. On Aug. 16, 2006, while fighting in Fallujah, Iraq, Blair earned the Purple Heart, awarded for wounds received in battle. He attended Southeastern and Fruitland Baptist Bible College for biblical studies. Blair and his wife, Tristan, have three children, Southern, Willow, and Gunner.

The service will begin with the �۶�ֱ�� ROTC presenting the colors. Junior Lindy Bryson will sing the national anthem, and senior ROTC Cadet Silas Williams will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice President for Advancement Nate Evans, who served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, will read the scripture from 2 Samuel 22:1-4.

After Blair’s message, Bryson will sing “America the Beautiful,” and Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president and University chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will say the closing prayer.

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�۶�ֱ�� Alumnus, Maj. Jeremy Davis, is Speaker for Veterans Day Service

Office of University Communications — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:36:28 +0000

Event Held at the 11^th Hour of the 11^th Day of the 11^th Month Honors Nation’s Servicemen

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University will join citizens across America in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a service at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. The day to honor the nation’s military has been celebrated since 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson established Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, when fighting ceased in World War I—on 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Wilson said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Maj. Jeremy Davis

In 1938, congress voted to make the in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

�۶�ֱ��’s Veterans Day Service will include a message from Maj. Jeremy Davis, U.S. Marine Corps. Davis joined the Marine Corps and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant after completing Officers Candidate School (OCS) and graduating from �۶�ֱ�� University in December 2005. He completed the Basic School (TBS) and Air Command and Control Officer’s Course in 2006.

He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant and Captain and deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2008 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. From 2009-2012, he served as the Recruiting Station (RS) Operations Officer and Executive Officer. During that time RS Fort Lauderdale was ranked second in Eastern Recruiting Region for three straight years.

GWU President Dr. William Downs speaks at last year’s service.

Upon completion of recruiting duty, Captain Davis reported to Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, Va. Additionally, he augmented summer training at Officer Candidates school as a platoon commander and history instructor from 2012-2013. Capt. Davis reported to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 (MTACS-38) to serve as the Assistant Operations Officer and Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) OIC. In that capacity he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In May 2015, Capt. Davis separated from the Active Component and accessed into the Select Marine Corps Reserve. Presently, Maj. Davis serves as the Recruiting support Officer (RSO) for Recruiting Station Charlotte, N.C. Additionally, Maj. Davis mobilized in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel from October 2019 to April 2020 in Setermoen, Norway, to serve as the Marine Coordination Element Logistics Officer.

His personal awards include: Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Maj. Davis is selected to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Also participating in the service will be the �۶�ֱ�� University ROTC, and GWU Concert Choir. University Police Officer, Kenneth Phelps, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, will lead the pledge of allegiance. �۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William Downs will give the welcome and invocation. Norma Mott, staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and instructor of nursing, will have the Old Testament Reading, and Nate Evans, second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, will provide the New Testament reading. Interim Vice President for Christian Life and Service Neal Payne will give the closing prayer and benediction.

During the service a slideshow will feature the names of �۶�ֱ�� students, staff and faculty who have served in the military.

Name, Year Graduated, Military Branch, Years of Service, Rank

Ashley Anderson, 2019, Army , second lieutenant
G. Kenneth “Ken” Wilson, 1958 from GW Junior College, U.S. Navy, Korean War, 1955-57
Jeremy Davis, 2005, U.S. Marine Corps, major
Neil Brock, alumnus
Rev. Robert Setzer, 2007/2012, Army 1977-1981, specialist 5
Richard Rick Holbrook, alumnus
Johnny McGee, 1967, Army, Vietnam, 1968-1970, sergeant
James “Jim” Humphries, 2013, Army, 23, SFC E-7
Adam Webb, 2017, U.S. Marine Corps, corporal
Frederick “Fred” Jennings, 2022, USMC, Gulf War, 1995-2003, staff sergeant
Chad Brown, 2005, Army, 8, SSG/E-6
Jarrett Clontz, 2020, Army, over 17 years, sergeant
Ken Queen, 2022, Navy, 20, chief
John Ben Johnson, alumnus
Kathy Sutton, alumna
Garret Allen, alumnus
Kacey Whisler, 2003, Air Force, 2003-2012, OEF and OIF, captain
Tamika Craig, 1995, U.S. Air Force, Desert Shield & Desert Storm, 6
Daniel Buckley, 2012, Army, OIF III, 10, sergeant
William “Bill” Morris, 1990, U.S. Army, 37 years 29 days, colonel AI
Josh Houser, 2007, Army, 12, Major
Jack King, Esquire, 1975, U.S. Marine Corps, 1975-1976, Recalled to Active Duty 1991, major
Andrew McClain, 2021, U.S. Army, 14, Captain
Robert Crawford, D. Min. 2011, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam, 3, corporal
Glenn Neil Brock, 2001, U.S. Marine Corps, 86-92, E-3
Joseph “Joe” DePriest, 1965, U.S. Army, Vietnam Era, 1967-70, staff sergeant
Lena Clark-Copeland, 1983, U.S. Navy, Persian Gulf War Era, 1985-2000, E5
Judith “Judy” McClain, Non-graduate class of 65, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, March 1967 to November 1975, staff sergeant, E-5
Ben Reavis, 1973, Army, Vietnam, 1971-1977, specialist
Robert “Rob” Golde, 2014, Marine Corps, 7, captain
Aaron Rabin, 2015, Army, 4, captain
Avis Owens Morrow, 2015, Women’s Army Air Corp (WAAC), World War II
Officer Kenneth Phelps, 1982, U.S. Army, 1983-1990, sergeant
Dale Riviere, 2021, U.S. Marine Corps, OEF, 7, sergeant
Samantha Jo Christopher, 2021, U.S. Marine Corps, 2009-2018, staff sergeant
David Roux, 2021, U.S. Navy, 2012-2015 AD, 2019-present, Reserves, 0-3
Monet Lawton, 2021
Yolande Crisp, 2021
Kevin Ward, 2022, Army, 9, sergeant
Robin Scott Griffin II, 2022, U.S. Marine Corps, 5, sergeant
Hector Garibay, 2022, Army, Dec. 1997 – Feb. 2017, 20, chief warrant officer 3
Roger Queen Jr., 2021, Army, 2011-present, sergeant
Professor Campbell Sr., 2021, U.S. Marine Corps, 4, E3
Blake Smith, 2022, Army, 3.5 years, specialist E-4
Jon Volovski, student, U.S. Air Force, Panama-Gulf II, 1985-2012, MSGT
Keith Bryant, student, Army, 6, first lieutenant
Henry Gagner, student, Army, 4, Corporal
Robert and Debra Hasselwander, students, Army, 16 years, E-5
Robin McClure, student, Army, 2000-2007, E-4 SPC
Ron Newcomb, faculty/staff, U.S. Army, Gulf War, 1988-1991, sergeant
Andrew McClain, faculty/staff
Dr. Lorell Gordon, faculty/staff, Naval Reserves, Desert Storm, 8, second class petty officer
Dr. “Jim” Rennie, faculty/staff, Air Force, Post Vietnam through post 9/11, 30, colonel
Johnny Bostic, faculty/staff

Learn more about �۶�ֱ��’s Programs for Veterans

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