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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION MOURNS THE PASSING OF AFA LEGEND JACK GROSS
Contact: Ladd Everitt at (703) 247-5847 or
leveritt@afa.org
Arlington, VA, April 6, 2006 – The Air Force Association (AFA) announces with profound regret and a deep sense of loss the death of
Jack Gross, a treasured member of the AFA family. Gross passed away on March 23, 2006, at his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at
the age of 94.
Gross was born on July 19, 1911, in Gratz, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Lafayette College in
Easton, Pennsylvania. During World War II, Gross served as an Executive Officer in a highly decorated U.S. Army Air Force fighter
group during the campaign in North Africa and later in central Europe, fighting against the German heartland. He later retired for
the Air Force Reserve at the rank of colonel. Among his military decorations were the Air Force Legion of Merit and the Exceptional
Service Award, the latter being the highest Air Force recognition for a civilian.
A self-employed executive, Gross was very active in civic affairs. Following the establishment of the
Air Force Association in 1946, he quickly rose to become one of its national leaders, serving for more than 21 years as the AFA
National Treasurer, two years as Chairman of the Board, and many others as chairman of various AFA governing committees.
In 1956, Gross became one of the founders of the Association’s educational affiliate, the Aerospace
Education Foundation. He was named AFA’s Man of the Year in 1958.
Gross was also an active volunteer in the Association’s Iron Gate Chapter in New York City. He was
involved in the chapter’s annual Air Force Salutes, which raised millions of dollars for Air Force Charities. Gross had also been a
major fund contributor to AFA, taking a leading role in establishing educational opportunities for the organization’s members and
patrons right up until the time of his passing. In recognition of his magnificent contributions to educational activities, the
Aerospace Education Foundation named him a General H. “Hap” Arnold Fellow in 2004.
“We owe profound thanks to Jack for his insight, wisdom and never-ending dedication,” said AFA
Executive Director Don Peterson. “The last time we got to see our good friend was this past July on the occasion of his 94th
birthday. He was in rare form that day, telling stories and even singing some songs from the 1940's. We will all miss this very
special leader.”
Gross will be entombed with military honors. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, April 14,
2006, at the Book Staber Chapel in Mount Mariah Cemetery in Colonial Park, Pennsylvania, at 11:00 AM. This service will be open to
the public. Those wishing to send messages of condolence may send them to Gross’ niece, Ms. Suzy Denison, at 548 North 73 Street;
Seattle, WA 98103-5133.
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The Air Force Association (AFA) is a 501(c)(3) organization that educates the public about the
critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation, advocates aerospace power and a strong national defense, and supports
the United States Air Force and the Air Force family. AFA has more than 230 chapters nationally and internationally representing more
than 130,000 members. Visit AFA on the internet at www.afa.org.
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