Kevin P. Gross
Military Branch: Army National Guard; Rank: MAJ
Summary:
Kevin entered the U.S. Army in January 1990 and served in Operation Desert Storm, returning to the states and serving out his tour at Ft. McClellan, AL.
He and his family enjoyed discovering new parts of the country, whether it be historic sites, scenic landscapes, or a new brewpub.
He served a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in 2006-2007 as a platoon leader in a transportation unit.
Kevin played saxophone in the high school pep band and enjoyed 4-H and FFA activities, showing both dairy goats and hogs.
He enjoyed scuba diving, brewing beer, motorcycles, reading, target shooting, and running.
Kevin was a member of the American Legion and VFW and was active in their motorcycle riders groups, taking part in Patriot Guard escorts as well as fun runs.
Life Achievements/ Recognitions:
Kevin was educated in the Dufur and The Dalles school districts, graduating from The Dalles High School, class of 1989.
Kevin served for 27 years, rising from the rank of private to staff sergeant, then converting to the officer corps where he obtained the rank of major.
Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Colorado Christian University in 2003 and a Masters of Art from American Military University in 2014.
In June 2017, he graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, an accomplishment of which he was especially proud.
He was president of his high school FFA chapter and attended the national FAA conference one year in Kansas City.
He competed in numerous events, including 10-K runs and Ragnar Relays, as well as running three marathons, the last one being the Marine Corps Marathon in 2016.
Kevin was a man of deep faith and made church a high priority at every stop along the way.