Gardner-Webb University Hosts Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 11

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 Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb adjunct voice faculty member.

Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb senior Lindy Bryson singing America the Beautiful, and a prayer by Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott.

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. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.