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As the black super-stretch limousine pulled slowly
under the church canopy, flag-bearing volunteers
saluted or stood solemnly with hands over hearts.
They were there to honor Cpl. Frank Robert Gross,
his family and friends who gathered at Countryside
Christian Center Saturday afternoon to remember the
fallen soldier.
Gross, 25, of Oldsmar died July 16, less than a
month after deploying to Kandahar, Afghanistan with
fellow soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas.
The soldier, trained to operate a single-channel
radio, was killed by an improvised explosive device
that caused his military vehicle to roll over.
Gross’ memorial service was moved from his home
church in Safety Harbor to the cavernous Countryside
Christian, 1850 N. McMullen-Booth Road, to
accommodate the large crowd expected to attend.
As the mourners turned onto the church’s drive, they
crossed beneath the raised ladders of trucks from
the Oldsmar and Safety Harbor fire departments.
Hanging between the ladders was a large American
flag.
The stars and stripes were in abundance as
motorcyclists and others from the community turned
out to pay their respects to a man most had never
met. Flag designs were proudly displayed on shirts,
hats, pins, leather vests and even an umbrella.
Members of the Patriot Guard organized a flag line
so Gross’ family and other loved ones, who arrived
in a procession led by motorcycle escorts, would see
a sea of red, white and blue as they pulled up to
the church.
Joining in the sobering tribute were about a dozen
members of the Florida Bay Area Clearwater Chapter
of the Harley Owners Group, who arrived after a
short ride led by Bob Kauffman.
Sweat dripped down the bikers’ faces and tears
pooled in their eyes as a steady stream of mourners,
hailing from near and far, filed into the church.
Some expressed their appreciation as they passed the
flag-bearers.
Otherwise, there was only a profound silence.
Among others participating in the flag line were
members of the American Legion and Faith Riders.
First-time attendees received a dog tag-shaped pin
with the Patriot Guard logo and its motto: “Standing
for those who stood for us.”
After the guests were seated inside for the 1 p.m.
service, the volunteers cooled off in the church
foyer and reflected on a life cut short far too
soon.
On a nearby table stood a framed collection of
medals and other memorabilia from Gross’ military
service, including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and
the name patch from his fatigues.
Also on the table: an enlarged photograph of Gross
and his smiling parents, Craig and Antonia. He is
also survived by his sister, Natalie.
In his remarks during the service, Craig Gross
quoted from famous speeches by Abraham Lincoln and
John F. Kennedy, and said his son believed in his
mission and did not die in vain.
Frank Gross had planned to enter officer training
when he returned to the United States, the father
said. He noted his son came from a long line of
soldiers on both sides of the family, with one
ancestor having fought under William the Conqueror.
The soldier’s mother said she wished she could come
down from the podium to hug and thank everyone who
showed up to recognize her son’s supreme sacrifice.
Saturday’s service also featured comments by the
Rev. John L. Armstrong, Oldsmar Mayor Jim Ronecker
and Chaplain Chris Carlson; a presentation by Blue
Star Mothers of America; a harmonic rendition of
“Amazing Grace” by Herman Beddoe; and a video of
Frank Gross’ military pictures set to the country
songs “If I Die Young” and “American Soldier.”
Gross, born in Virginia Beach, Va., graduated from
Indian Rocks Christian High School in Largo, where
he pitched for the baseball team. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in digital arts and design and a
master’s degree in entertainment business, both from
Full Sail University in Winter Park.
He enlisted in May 2010 and completed basic combat
training at Fort Benning, Ga. He took his advanced
training at Fort Gordon, Ga.
The Army then assigned him to C Troop, 2nd Squadron,
38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield
Surveillance Brigade. He deployed to Afghanistan on
June 28.
Gross will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Footnote: (by Bob Kauffman) For more information
about the Patriot Guard please click on the link
provided:
