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Texas native and former Enka resident Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans (retired), a highly decorated female veteran, began her journey when she entered the United States Army at 19 years old.
Throughout her years in the service, CSM Evans worked her way up to Command Sergeant Major—the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. In this role during her final assignment, she was responsible for the security and personnel on bases and forwarding operation bases in Afghanistan, and oversaw more than 30,000 ground troops. She earned numerous medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and Global War on Terrorism ribbons, multiple Meritorious Service Medals and numerous other awards.
In 2006, CSM Evans’ world changed in a millisecond when she was severely wounded by incoming fire while serving in Afghanistan. The rocket blast caused her debilitating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries and the loss of all hearing. After her combat injury, recent PTSD diagnosis and subsequent retirement from service, her transition from military life to civilian life was difficult. Her heart was broken and she felt hopeless, not only due to the injuries she sustained but also due to the sudden loss—of family, a team, the fellowship and the mission she had found and loved, the military experience. With grit, gumption, resilience and determination CSM Evans navigated through a changed life and found her new passion and purpose which is advocating for veterans of all services.
Gretchen Evans’ remarkable road to recovery
ESPY acceptance speech, July 20, 2022
Today, CSM Evans is determined to pay it forward by focusing her efforts on improving the lives of her fellow veterans by actively serving as a mentor, coach, and community activist. In 2019, CSM Evans assembled a team of disabled/wounded combat veterans to compete in the World’s Toughest Race in Fiji, hosted by Bear Grylls and produced by Mark Burnett (Survivor). Her team, UNBROKEN was the first totally disabled team to ever compete in the World’s Toughest Race. Team UNBROKEN inspired millions with their resolve to not let their injuries define who or what they could achieve in life. Out of 66 teams that competed in the World’s Toughest Race, Team UNBROKEN is one of ten teams featured presently on Amazon Prime, World’s Toughest Race.
CSM Evans was inducted into the U. S. Veteran Hall of Fame in 2019 and was inducted into the U. S. Army Women’s Hall of Fame in March 2021 for her outstanding meritorious service with the United States Army and her community. She currently resides in Brunswick, Maine, with her husband Robert, a retired Navy Chaplain, and their two service dogs Aura and Rusty.
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An Afternoon with Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Sherrill Center on the Campus of UNCA, Mountain View Room
227 Campus Drive Asheville, NC
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An Afternoon with Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Sherrill Center on the Campus of UNCA, Mountain View Room
227 Campus Drive Asheville, NC
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,
Follow Us
An Afternoon with Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Sherrill Center on the Campus of UNCA, Mountain View Room
227 Campus Drive Asheville, NC
,
Follow Us
,
Follow Us