Gerry Hendershot “Shot”, graduated from North Warren High School in Blairstown, NJ in 1976 and Slippery Rock University in 1981. While at SRU, Shot was a member of the soccer team on campus for three years. In that time period, he was selected to the 1st Team All Western Pennsylvania Conference in 1977 and by 1979 he was the Team Captain and Most Valuable Player.
He also was one of the Rock’s leading scorers in history of the university and gained most of his recognition by scoring six goals in the game against Edinboro University in 1979. By 1980, however, Shot was taking on a different view of the sport; he was the Assistant Soccer Coach for the team.
Leaving the realm of soccer and college after graduation, Shot went on to join the United States Army from 1983 to 2008. As a retired veteran, he has been honored with numerous awards and achievements.
Serving as U.S. Army Observer Controller, Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant, G3 Operations Sergeant Major he was also the Platoon Sergeant in Kosovo, the First Sergeant in Afghanistan, and the Master Parachutist all made possible with the proper schooling.
He completed Airborne School in 1983, an Air Assault Course in 1984, Panama Jungle School in 1985, a Jumpmaster course in 1987, an Alcohol and Drug Coordinator Course in 1988, a Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course in 1988, Army Drill Sergeant in 1989, an Infantry Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course in 1993, a Combat Lifesaver Course in 1996, a cadre Training Course in 2005, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leaders Certification in 2007, and Antiterrorism Level I Certification in 2006.
With all of this, Shot has won 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 7 Army Commendations Medals, 4 Army Achievements Medals, 8 Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Medals, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbons, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Air Assault Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, and Canadian Parachutist Badge.
After serving his country for a total of 25 years, Shot is now retired and living in Rolla, Missouri with his wife Tammy. He enjoys spending time beekeeping, hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with the Veterans at the local Veterans Home.
