Veteran's Day Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� Honors Veterans at Service on Nov. 10

Office of University Communications — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:43:50 +0000

GWU Alumnus, Col. Jim Davidson, Speaks on Living a Noble Life with Love and Faith

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� alumnus Col. Jim Davidson was the guest speaker for the University’s Veteran’s Day Prayer Service on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. Davidson serves as state chaplain in the South Carolina National Guard.

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William Downs provided greetings and the invocation for this annual observance hosted by the University to honor all those who answer the call to serve their country.

“It is important for us to take time each November—and really, to take time throughout the year—to recognize all those men and women from across our university, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, who have served in the Armed Forces,” Downs emphasized. “And, to celebrate all those from our broader community who have served in the United States Military.”

Downs added that his 95-year-old father, who proudly served in the US Army from 1954-56 (Basic Training with the 101st Airborne Infantry), taught him the importance of Veteran’s Day. “My dad, more than anybody, taught me to respect our history,” he shared. “He taught me to honor our flag. He taught me to appreciate sacrifice and bravery, but most importantly, he taught me to say thank you. So, it is with deep gratitude that I extend my personal thanks, as well as the thanks of the entire �۶�ֱ�� community, to all those men and women who have served both God and country in the United States Armed Forces.”

The �۶�ֱ�� ROTC presented the colors to begin the service. The GWU Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Joshua Cheney, sang an arrangement of the national anthem by Reuben Burrows. The Old Testament reading was given by Instructor of Nursing Norma Mott, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and the New Testament scripture was read by Vice President of Advancement Nate Evans, also a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Davidson began his remarks by expressing his deep gratitude to veterans for their service and sharing about his days as a student at �۶�ֱ��. He obtained his undergraduate degree in 1996 and Master of Divinity degree in 1999. He was born and raised in Indian Trail, N.C., and in addition to serving as a chaplain, he is the pastor of Pleasant Valley Church in Indian Land, S.C.

During his message, Davidson told the story of the five chaplains who were killed in 1943 when the S.S. Henry R. Mallory, a troop transport, was hit by a torpedo fired by a German submarine. One of those chaplains was First Lt. Horace E. Gravely, a relative of Davidson’s. In remembering Gravely’s life, a newspaper account of the tragedy stated that Gravely was known for “His innate capacity for noble living. His deep capacity for love and his rich capacity for faith.”

Davidson remarked, “Chaplain Gravely’s active-duty military career lasted less than one year. He never had the opportunity to advance beyond the rank of first lieutenant, but yet his impact was profound and his legacy endures even to this day.”

Reflecting on Gravely’s life, Davidson asked the question, “What kind of legacy might I leave?”

Then, Davidson elaborated on what it means to be noble, to love and to have faith. His messaged ended with a prayer, “I hope and I pray, that for myself and for you, that we will be remembered not for our accomplishments here on this earth. I pray that I will be known—and that you will be known—as a man or woman with an innate capacity for noble living … a deep capacity for love … and a rich capacity for faith.”

The program closed with the Concert Choir leading the congregation in 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. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ��’s November Webb Connections Honors Military and Their Families

Office of University Communications — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 22:01:00 +0000

President Dr. William Downs Interviews Distinguished Panel About Their Service and Experiences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—While November is a month of thanksgiving, it’s also a month to recognize and honor the nation’s military members, veterans and their families for answering the call to serve. To recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices of these dedicated individuals, �۶�ֱ�� University’s Webb Connections program on Nov. 18 focused on “�۶�ֱ�� and the Military Experience.” Hosted by GWU President Dr. William Downs, the video of the panel discussion premieres Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. on GWU’s and and is available below.

In his opening remarks, Downs stated the purpose of the evening. “As a University, we are extremely proud of the veterans who join us each and every semester to pursue their academic degrees and to realize their professional dreams,” he said. “One goal of tonight’s discussion is to identify ways that institutions of higher education, such as our own, can do more to support this important group of non-traditional students.”

Downs also listed other goals of the evening, such as discussing ways to grow the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program on the �۶�ֱ�� campus, listing any barriers to success that veterans may face, and addressing the intersection of faith and military service.

�۶�ֱ�� President Dr. William Downs, center, poses with the panelists, from left, Joseph Hough, Brittany Sherrod, Darlene Gravett and Rear Admiral Terry Eddinger.

The panelists included:

Rear Admiral Terry Eddinger, of Winston-Salem, N.C., the highest-ranking Navy Reserve chaplain.
Brittany Sherrod, of Simpsonville, Ky., a sophomore homeland security major at GWU, ROTC cadet and women’s lacrosse player.
Joseph Hough, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, having served 32 years with the North Carolina National Guard and an assistant superintendent for Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, N.C.
Darlene Johnson Gravett, of Boiling Springs, the daughter of an Army master sergeant, wife of an Army officer, and retired from �۶�ֱ��, where she was the University’s first female member of the senior staff and was honored as associate provost emerita.

During the conversation, Eddinger, Sherrod and Hough talked about the community at �۶�ֱ��, where professors encourage students and inspire them to think creatively. “I feel �۶�ֱ�� has opened doors and is unique in giving me opportunities,” Sherrod affirmed. “At a bigger school, I feel like I would just be a number there, not only in the classroom, but in the ROTC program. Being in the ROTC program here, you get more one-on-one instruction, and if you mess up, it is corrected, which is helpful and teaches you life lessons for the future. Playing a sport as well gives me the opportunity to use the skills I learn in ROTC for the team, like leadership or how to bring the team together, because it’s not one person, (the team) has to work together.”

Gravett spoke about the enriching experiences and lessons she learned from military life, like flexibility and adaptability, and how what she learned helped her as a professor and administrator at �۶�ֱ��. Eddinger and Hough also talked about the many benefits of serving in the military and the extraordinary opportunities they have had through their service.

Cadet Brittany Sherrod’s lacrosse teammates and other ROTC cadets came to the event to show support.

�۶�ֱ�� University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, 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. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ��’s November Webb Connections Honors Military and Their Families

Office of University Communications — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 17:30:20 +0000

President Dr. William Downs Hosts Distinguished Panel of Veterans, an ROTC Student, and Military Family Member

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As the nation honors its veterans during November, �۶�ֱ�� University’s Webb Connections program this month will focus on the contributions and sacrifices of military members and their families. Hosted by GWU President Dr. William Downs, “�۶�ֱ�� and The Military Experience,” will be held Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center. The program is open to the public.

“�۶�ֱ�� University can and should be an indispensable asset to those who have devoted themselves to keeping our families and our nation safe,” asserts Downs. “As we honor our veterans this November, I am eager to connect with this panel of experts to discuss educational opportunities and other priorities for military families in North Carolina and across the region.”

Brittany Sherrod

Darlene Gravett

Joseph Hough

Terry Eddinger

The panelists include:

Terry Eddinger, of Winston-Salem, N.C., was promoted to Rear Admiral in October 2020, becoming the highest-ranking Navy Reserve chaplain. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from �۶�ֱ��, a Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Old Testament from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He joined the US Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps in November 1995, as a lieutenant (junior grade). He has served in the Navy for 26 years, including eight years with US Marine Corps and four and one-half years with the US Coast Guard.

Brittany Sherrod, of Simpsonville, Ky., a sophomore homeland security major at GWU and ROTC cadet. She plays on the women’s lacrosse team at �۶�ֱ��. In high school, she was a member of the 2018-2019 United States Women’s Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic Teams. She led the nation in goals scored during her junior season in high school, according to United States Women’s Lacrosse, and was a three-time selection to participate as a player for the Women’s Divisional National Team. Her high school team won back-to-back state championships during sophomore and junior seasons. She was also involved in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and FCA during high school.

Joseph Hough is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He served 32 years with the North Carolina National Guard as both combat and construction engineer. He has traveled the world supporting nations such as Moldova and the Marshall Islands with Humanitarian relief missions. He has responded to several state hurricane relief missions. And he has deployed three times in the wake of 911 with tours in the Military District of Washington D.C., Iraq and Afghanistan. He graduated from �۶�ֱ�� in 1991 with a social science degree and is a 2018 Distinguished Alumnus. He entered into public education as a social studies teacher and coach and is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, N.C. He played tennis and soccer for �۶�ֱ�� in his years at the Webb and met his wife, Karen, while completing his undergraduate degree. He has two sons Daniel and Andrew. Lt. Col. Hough holds a master’s and education specialist degree. Of his notable military awards he received the Bronze Star for his Afghanistan service along with the Engineer Association’s DeFleury Medal. Upon his retirement, he was recognized federally with the Military Legion of Merit award and by the state with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Darlene Johnson Gravett, of Boiling Springs. Born in Roanoke, Va., Gravett lived there for 10 years before moving from one state to another as well as to other countries as the daughter of an Army enlisted man, who retired as a master sergeant, and then as the wife of Ray, an Army officer, who retired as a lieutenant colonel. Along the way she managed to stay at Eastern (Ky.) University for all four years to earn a B.A. degree in English; she worked around her husband’s various Army assignments to attain her master’s degree in English education from the University of Miami while he was in Vietnam the first time; and finally she earned a doctorate in English literature from the University of Southern Mississippi while her husband had an ROTC assignment there and while he was in Vietnam a second time. Upon her husband’s retirement from the Army after 21 years of active duty service, she started her full-time teaching career, 10 years at one college and then 18 years at �۶�ֱ��, where she was the University’s first female member of the senior staff and was honored as associate provost emerita. After retirement, she stayed in Boiling Springs, where she has lived for 30 years, longer than anywhere else in her life. She describes these different phases of her life in her autobiography “Army Brat, Army Bride, Civilian: A Life.”

The panel discussion will be recorded live and available for viewing later on �۶�ֱ��’s .

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 48 hours prior to the event. Please call 704-406-2155 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

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�۶�ֱ�� Campus Honors Military During Veteran’s Day Prayer Service

Office of University Communications — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:52:53 +0000

Speaker, Adjunct and Air Force Veteran Jim Rennie, Issues Challenge to Spend Time with Veterans

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The �۶�ֱ�� University campus and community celebrated Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. In his opening remarks, President Dr. William Downs noted the significance of the date: “At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, in the 11th month in the year 1918, fighting ended in what we now know as World War I. The United States and its allies emerged victorious in the so-called great war, a war that was supposed to end all wars. And then a year later, American president Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice day, a day that would— in his words—be an opportunity for Americans to show their solemn pride in the heroism of those who died… and with gratitude for the victory.”

Later in 1954, Dwight Eisenhower established Nov. 11 as a national holiday and renamed the occasion Veteran’s Day.

The speaker, Jim Rennie, an adjunct professor and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, presented “A Veteran’s Reflection.” Using the word VET as an acronym, he talked about veteran’s Values, Experience and Treasures. He explained that the purpose of military training is to instill core values, and these core values provide the basis for soldiers to make decisions in situations they experience.

Speaker, Jim Rennie, a U.S. Air Force veteran and �۶�ֱ�� adjunct professor, shows a replica of a billboard his son had made for him when he retired.

Rennie noted that people may think treasures are the items veterans pick up in their travels, but “the real treasures are the friends that you meet along the way, the family that you left behind, and the treasures that are given to you by good friends and family,” he said, while recognizing the sacrifices also made by military families. “I would submit the true heroes in this entire discussion are the spouses and family members.”

As he thanked the University for hosting the Veteran’s Day Service, Rennie challenged participants to do more to observe the day. “I view Veteran’s Day as a participation sport,” he explained. “This isn’t something that you watch on TV and not get involved in. I think we should seek out people who have served in the military and just ask them some basic questions and spend some time with them. I found a quote from George Washington. This is a very somber quote and I think it shows the importance of this day. ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.’”

The service began with �۶�ֱ�� Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) presenting the colors. �۶�ֱ�� music major, trumpeter Garrett Chitwood, played the national anthem, and GWU Police Chief Barry Johnson, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Vice President of Advancement, Nate Evans, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, gave the Old Testament Reading from Micah 6, and Director of Enrollment-Marketing Jonathan Hooks, a veteran of the U.S. Army, gave the New Testament reading from Galatians 5.

After Rennie’s remarks, the GWU Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Josh Cheney sang “America the Beautiful,” and Tracy Jessup, vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University, gave the benediction.

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