Major General John Gregory Rossi was born on June 18, 1961, the son of Robert, a New York City police officer, and Marie Rossi. John—a true athlete, scholar, and leader—grew up on Long Island, NY and graduated from Hudson High School in Florida.

He made his way to West Point, where his quick wit and great sense of humor made him the leader of the plebes in Company A-1. While a cadet, John had a few bouts with the Dean, but, with the help of the Summer Term Academic Program, he always managed to “BEAT ‘EM!” As was the case with many of his classmates, John’s “strong” GPA and inspired professional attitude positioned him perfectly for the Air Defense Artillery branch. Many classmates who managed to stay one step ahead of the Dean seemed to find each other in Air Defense. John woke up every morning declaring, “I hate this place,” followed immediately with, “How long until I am out of the Army?” The answer would eventually be more than 33 years.

After his basic course, John’s first assignment was to the Federal Republic of Germany as a HAWK Missile systems officer. John later served at the behest of the Army in places including Korea, Southwest Asia, and Iraq. John commanded at every level, from battery to his last assignment as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, OK—the first Air Defense officer to hold the position. Prior to that assignment, he was the Director of the Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office in the Pentagon.

John’s other assignments included Commanding General 32d AAMDC, Fort Bliss, TX; 35th ADA Brigade Republic of Korea; 2-1 ADA, Southwest Asia and Fort Bliss; C Battery, 1-6 ADA, Fort Bliss; and A Battery, 3-1 ADA, Fort Hood, TX. His principal staff assignments included J33 U.S. Forces Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq; Deputy Commanding General (Fires and Effects), III Corps and Fort Hood; Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff, Fort Bliss; G-3, 32nd AAMDC, Fort Bliss; Chief, U.S. Central Command Air and Missile Defense Division, Tampa, FL; operations officer, 1-7 ADA and 94th ADA Brigade in Germany; and deputy operations officer, 3-43 ADA, Southwest Asia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

During his long career, John displayed a perfect balance of toughness and caring for others. He always placed soldiers and their family’s needs above his own. He was a dedicated, sharp, caring, loyal and fun leader. Throughout their numerous assignments, Liz was the perfect partner, balancing their military and public roles with a strong family life.

Before he passed away, Major General Rossi was nominated by the president to be promoted to lieutenant general and take command of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. So few of his classmates have made it to lieutenant general, which is a testament to John’s abilities.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), the Legion of Merit (four oak leaf clusters), and the Bronze Star (oak leaf cluster).

While navigating his demanding career, John managed to earn a Master of Arts from Webster University and a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College, receiving the distinguished graduate award.

John served as the Chief of Staff in 2009 during a time of transitioning at Fort Bliss, where he oversaw the growth of the installation. On November 5, 2009, John was thrust into the national spotlight while serving at Fort Hood when a mass shooting took place. It was the deadliest mass shooting on an American military base in history, yet John’s composed demeanor urged calm. John worked around the clock getting answers, giving advice, and talking to the media. And Liz brought food to the headquarters, enough to feed an Army. It takes a great leader like John to stand before his country, deliver comforting words, and start the healing process. As classmates watched from all corners of the globe, they agreed that John was in the right place at the right time for our nation.

In John’s honor, the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance created The Major General John G. Rossi Military Fellowship. The fellowship is open to current members of the United States armed forces and veterans who exemplify the exceptional characteristics of its namesake. Major General Rossi Military Fellows collaborate with the MDAA Communications and Government Relations staff on various projects. This fellowship provides service members an opportunity to enhance their understanding of an important aspect of American defense policy.

John is survived by his loving wife, Liz Rossi, a native of El Paso, TX; his three children— Captain Dominic Rossi, USMA 2010, and his wife, Katie; Maria; and Angelina—and his granddaughter, Kylie.

The epitome of a great leader, he proudly represented the Army every day of his 33 years of service. He was an exemplary man and a role model to all who met him. His dry wit, quiet strength and devoted loyalty will be missed most by his immediate family and by a cadre of dear friends that John cultivated throughout his life. A true sports fan, he loved rooting for the New York Mets and New York Giants. He was an espresso connoisseur who never passed up an opportunity to offer you a “shot.” Ross was a hero to our country and will forever remain a hero in our hearts.