Gardner-Webb CrossFit Hosts Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD

Event Remembers Alumnus Who Died While Serving His Country in Afghanistan

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb CrossFit is hosting the Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) in Spangler Stadium on Homecoming day, Oct. 29, at 8 a.m. Last year, over $5,000 was raised for the Jerry Gass Jr. Memorial Scholarship during the inaugural event.

Staff Sgt. Girard “Jerry” Gass Jr., 33, a Green Beret, died Aug. 3, 2014, while on a combat operation in Afghanistan. The 2003 Gardner-Webb alumnus was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C., and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two children, Charlie and Stella.

Gass was a Special Forces Medic and Sniper on his second deployment to Afghanistan. The last thing this hero did before his death was carry an injured teammate to safety, treat him, and get him off the battlefield. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal among several other military commendations.

Nancy said her husband loved his family and was a caring friend, who would do anything to help someone. “This event means my husband has not been forgotten,” she shared. “It means my kids will have another opportunity to be made aware that their Daddy was someone special, and he is loved and appreciated for his service and for the type of person he was.”

The event is open to individuals and two-person teams. Registration for the competition is available here. 

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Gardner-Webb 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., Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb.edu.