Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

April 14, 2010, Front Page

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Former Neillsville Student killed in Afghanistan

U. S. Marine Lance Corporal Jacob Ross

By Peter Spicer

Former Neillsville Elementary School student, U.S. Marine Jacob Ross, 19, of Gillette, WY, was killed March 24 while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Ross, a lance corporal with the U. S. Marines, attended kindergarten and first grade at Neillsville Elementary School. Ross was the grandson of Neillsville resident Sue Sundermeyer.  Ross’ wife, Brittney Oliver Ross of Jacksonville, NC, and his parents, Dennis and Karen Ross of Gillette, WY, are among those who survive him.

According to published sources, Ross was stationed with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines out of Camp Lejeune, NC.  He was shot and killed the morning of March 24 as a result of a hostile incident in Helmand Province. Two other Marines were injured in the attack.  Ross was deployed to Afghanistan in October 2009.

Ross was born in Jacksonville, NC, and was a 2008 Campbell County High School graduate. Ross married Brittney Oliver in Logansport, IN, Sept. 28, 2009.

In high school, Ross was a member of the soccer and swim teams.  He was a state champion in the Skills USA Carpentry Competition and worked at Shober Builder’s.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and won several paintball championships. 

Over 10,000 people – over one-third of Gillette’s population – lined Gillette’s streets March 31; to honor Ross while a 150-vehicle motorcade drove 12 miles through town, according to published sources.

Ross’ funeral was held April 1 at Family Life Church in Gillette, WY.

Sundermeyer stated she is “very proud of [Ross]” and stated he had always wanted to be a Marine, as his father was.

Sundermeyer called Ross a “very, very intelligent person” who was well-read, a polite gentleman and always enjoying the outdoors.

Gillette residents stood shoulder-to-shoulder while holding flags during the funeral procession, business people left their buildings to honor Ross, and flags were flown at half-mast, said Sundermeyer.

“That was the most touching part for me,” said Sundermeyer.