Robert 鈥楴avy Bob鈥� Roncska Honors the Sacrifices of Veterans and Inspires Service to Others

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擱obert 鈥淣avy Bob鈥� Roncska, who served in the Nuclear Navy, the White House and in health care, was the guest speaker for 猫咪头条 University鈥檚 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 鈥渇reedom is not free鈥攊t is paid for by courage, sacrifice, and love.鈥�

The 猫咪头条 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 猫咪头条 adjunct voice faculty member.

猫咪头条 President Nate Evans gave the welcome and invocation. 鈥淎s 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,鈥� Evans declared. 鈥淭o each veteran here, and to all who have served, we say, 鈥楾hank you. Your example reminds us what it means to live with purpose, integrity and devotion鈥攄evotion to something greater than ourselves.鈥欌��

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. 鈥淪o many never came home,鈥� he reflected. 鈥淭hey 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.鈥�

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

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

Quoting Mr. Rogers鈥斺�淟ove and success, always in that order鈥濃�擱oncska emphasized that true leadership is rooted in service. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e leading a team, a classroom, or a family, success comes when we care for one another,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur legacy isn鈥檛 what we鈥檝e done for ourselves, but what we have done for others. As I told the students earlier this morning, at 猫咪头条 you get so much more than an education. You get a lesson in life鈥攐f service to others, which is the greatest gift you could ever have gotten.鈥�

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

猫咪头条 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., 猫咪头条 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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Robert 鈥楴avy Bob鈥� Roncska Shares his 鈥楲eading with Love鈥� Philosophy at Nov 11 Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� 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 鈥淣avy Bob鈥� Roncska, who served in the Nuclear Navy, the White House and in health care. His mission is to promote and teach 鈥淟eading with Love鈥� to foster positive cultures.

The service will include the presentation of colors, the singing of the 鈥淪tar-Spangled Banner,鈥� prayer, scripture reading, and special music. The 猫咪头条 ROTC will also participate.

鈥溍ㄟ渫诽� University is deeply grateful for the men and women who have served our nation with courage and conviction,鈥� stated Interim GWU President Nate Evans. 鈥淰eterans 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.鈥�

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 鈥淎rmistice Day鈥� 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 鈥渢he war to end all wars.鈥� 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鈥檛 bark orders鈥攈e built trust. Throughout his career, he has proven that a culture of love and compassion can fuel remarkable results.

Roncska describes his signature 鈥淟eading with Love鈥� philosophy in his book 鈥淏eyond the Sea.鈥� 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.

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擟pl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C., spoke at 猫咪头条 University鈥檚 Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. 猫咪头条 hosts the annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country鈥攊n war and in peace鈥攖hrough a branch of the U.S. military.

To begin the service, the 猫咪头条 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, 猫咪头条 University President Dr. William M. Downs gave the history of the nation鈥檚 recognition of military veterans. The observance dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as 鈥淎rmistice Day鈥� 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 鈥渢he war to end all wars.鈥� Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

Downs observed, 鈥淭oday, 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鈥攖he 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.鈥�

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. 鈥淚f you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, what are you willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ?鈥� Blair asked. 鈥淚 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?鈥�

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. 鈥淚 am a walking, talking miracle … God spared my life,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

To end the service, Bryson sang 鈥淎merica the Beautiful,鈥� and Parrott gave the closing prayer.

猫咪头条 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., 猫咪头条 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 . 听

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� 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.听 The service is open to the campus community and to the public.

The nation鈥檚 recognition of military veterans dates back to 1919, when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as 鈥淎rmistice Day鈥� 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 鈥渢he war to end all wars.鈥�  Later, on Nov. 11, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day and proclaimed it as a national holiday.

猫咪头条 hosts an annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor students, alumni and friends of the University who answered the call to serve their country鈥攊n war and in peace鈥攖hrough a branch of the U.S. military.

猫咪头条 University President Dr. William M. Downs will provide greetings and give the invocation.

鈥淲e all owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces who have kept our country safe,鈥� shared Downs. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

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 猫咪头条 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鈥檚 message, Bryson will sing 鈥淎merica the Beautiful,鈥� and Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president and University chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will say the closing prayer.

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.

猫咪头条 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., 猫咪头条 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 猫咪头条.edu.

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� 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鈥檚 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鈥攐n 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Wilson said, 鈥淭o us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country鈥檚 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鈥︹��

In 1938, congress voted to make the in each year a legal holiday鈥攁 day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 鈥淎rmistice Day.鈥� In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation鈥檚 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 鈥淎rmistice鈥� and inserting in its place the word 鈥淰eterans.鈥� With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

猫咪头条鈥檚 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 猫咪头条 University in December 2005. He completed the Basic School (TBS) and Air Command and Control Officer鈥檚 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.

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 猫咪头条 University ROTC, and GWU Concert Choir. University Police Officer, Kenneth Phelps, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, will lead the pledge of allegiance. 猫咪头条 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 猫咪头条 students, staff and faculty who have served in the military.  

猫咪头条 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., 猫咪头条 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 猫咪头条.edu.

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