Former U.S. Army Fires Centers of Excellence and Ft. Sill Commanding General John Rossi, who just left his post at Ft. Sill on July 21st, died yesterday. Major General Rossi left Fort Sill to assume command of the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command-Army Forces Strategic Command at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Officials at the base state that Rossi had arrived at the arsenal the week before, but had not yet taken command of the missile defense command.

A statement released by Redstone Arsenal, an Army installation near Huntsville, Ala., confirmed that Rossi, 55, was found dead in his home Sunday at the post.The Major General was to take command of the Arsenal, which is the highest air defense command in the U.S. Army. He would have received his third star upon assuming command from current commander Lt. General David L. Mann, who was set to retire after 35 years of Army Service.

Major General Rossi, a native of Long Island and the son of a NYC police officer, received his civilian education that included a Bachelors of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy, a Master of Arts from Webster University and a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College. having commanded at every level from battery to commanding general, Rossi served tours of duty in the U.S., Korea, Germany, Southeast Asia and Iraq. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service, as well as well as two previous Distinguished Service Medals. He has also received the Legion of Merit with four oak clusters and a Bronze Star with oak leaf clusters.

The circumstances of his death have not been released. Rossi leaves behind his wife Liz, a native of El Pas, Texas, three children and one grandchild.

source: KSWO news; The Oklahoman, The Lawton Constitution

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