RIP Colonel Gerald Russel

I can add little of import here except my observation that those in our group, Penn State Track and Field Alumni (Golfers), are some of the world's best people.  The most intelligent, interesting and accomplished people I have ever met. This post is by Mark Heckel, who I am honored to call a friend. He wrote this after a request from me, because I knew he could do much more than I ever could.  Eventually Mark may even golf with us!   If you didn’t know who he was, he looked like another track official who had
been around since the start of track and field. His TAC/USATF ID would tell you
that he was a master official, and his membership was in the double digits . . .
dating back almost the beginning of the AAU.
He never talked about himself much, and he never revealed much about his
background. He was just a guy who loved track and field, and was always
recruiting folks to help him out with Special Olympics in the summer. He asked
quietly, but lead by example. He loved Penn State, and was never ashamed to show
it.
He was a quiet hero, tested by war at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. He earned a
chest full of medals, including a Purple Heart with two gold stars, and a Bronze
Star with a “V” for valor, the third highest award for valor a soldier can earn.
He was a deep blue war hero, but to those of us fortunate enough to know and
work with him, he was Gerry or The Colonel.
I got to know him over a number of years, and as I learned more about the man, I
grew to have a deep honor and respect for him, and for what he stood for. He
wanted nothing but the best for everyone he knew, whether on or off the track.
Each year, he would put on his tux and work the finish line at the Millrose
Games, as much a fixture there as he was at Penn State meets. He was also a
constant at Penn Relays, a friendly and familiar face in a sea of humanity.
He came to Penn State at the invitation of Dr. Ralph Rackley, the Provost and
fellow Marine. He wrote speeches for John Oswald while also being Assistant
Secretary to the Board of Trustees. He was an assistant professor and assistant
to the Dean of HPER, and eventually became associate Dean. Leadership was in his
makeup, and helping others to achieve was in his soul.
Gerry never talked about his military career. I only found about the true depth
of the soldier when we were having lunch one day at an indoor meet. It was just
the two of us, and I hesitantly asked him about his military background. He was
reluctant to share at first, but then like a kindly parent, he quietly told me
about Iwo Jima. I don’t know that I have ever listened any more intently or
respectfully to anyone in my life.
One year, Penn State chose to recognize two or three officials at each indoor
meet. They would print a short biography, along with a picture of the official,
and make a small recognition of their contributions to Penn State track and
field. We were coming down to the final meet of the indoor season, and there
were only two officials left to be recognized – The Colonel and me.
To say that I was honored to be recognized with Gerry would be gross
understatement. To say that I was humbled to be in the presence, and be able to
proudly stand next to him that day would be far more accurate. Compared to him,
I was a novice and little boy. It was one of the most incredible moments I’ve
had as an official, and as a Penn Stater.
Colonel Russell was cut from a cloth that rarely exists anymore. He was a
leader, a commander of men some of whom he knew would never come back. He was an
inspiration, getting his fellow Marines to come to State College to help out
with Special Olympics. He was a dedicated patriot, showing all of us that the
good of the many was more important that the good of the one. He was a friend
who wanted you to be better, and was there to help you achieve it.
His burial will be in Arlington, a place where heroes rest. The Old Guard will
treat him well, but I would give anything to be able to salute my friend one
last time by playing taps for him. It would just seem the right thing to do.
Good-bye Gerry. Semper Fi!
Mark Heckel, M.Ed.
Instructional Designer
Penn State Student Affairs
222N Boucke Building
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA, 16802
Office: 814.863.7800