TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

BRAVERY - LEADERSHIP - HUMOR

Brett Gornewicz was born and raised in Alden, NY, a rural suburb about 20 miles east of Buffalo.
Brett was a sport-minded youth and enjoyed playing organized youth baseball, soccer, and hockey with friends from the Alden School District.

He was always civic-minded, attended church with his family, and participated in the local 4-H Chapter, where he became comfortable with public speaking and leadership duties in group activities.

In high school, Brett played football and baseball, always remaining humble, and focusing on the success of the team rather than individual victories.

After high school, he attended college and received his Bachelor of Science degree while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Serving as a U.S. Army Combat Engineer, Brett answered the call and put his career on hold while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In June of 2012, Brett earned the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and was promoted to Sergeant for his heroic actions in a combat firefight in Afghanistan. As a result of his vehicle striking an IED, Brett died at the age of 27 on November 03, 2012. He is survived by his parents, a sister and three nieces.

—Submitted by John, Surviving Father