WHEREAS, Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, USA, a beloved native of Lexington and a courageous member of the elite Green Berets, was killed in action in Afghanistan on November 27, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Andrew "Drew" Ross demonstrated a natural ability for leadership from a young age, serving as captain of his high school soccer team; and
WHEREAS, a proud patriot, Drew Ross fulfilled a longtime dream to serve his country when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2011; and
WHEREAS, a decorated and highly trained soldier, Drew Ross was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Drew Ross made the ultimate sacrifice while deployed on his second tour to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in the Ghazni Province; and
WHEREAS, Drew Ross was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge; and
WHEREAS, Drew Ross was an exemplar of the bravery, selflessness, and dedication to duty, demonstrated by all of the American men and women in uniform who willingly go into harm's way in defense of freedom each day; and
WHEREAS, Drew Ross derived his greatest joy in life from his family, and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Felicia; his mother, Beth; his father, Stephen; his sister, Sarah; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, USA, a distinguished native of Lexington and a courageous member of the elite Green Berets; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, USA, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.