TO WIN, YOU HAVE TO BE
PREPARED TO DIE
Stephen Ford
Company B, 1/12th Cavalry, 1968-69
It was said quickly by Jonathon Rossi's brother as he spoke at John's memorial service. If I understood correctly those words were tattooed on Johns left arm. For a young man whose dream was to be part of the CIA, you can sense the degree of commitment and drive that permeated his being. John wanted to be Airborne but a bad knee prevented it from happening. John switched to EOD. Shy in person but not to danger.
The morning was bright blue skies with small white clouds. Another beautiful day in Florida. There was only one flaw in the sky, a dark vertical rain cloud far to the southwest. It looked as if it were hanging right over Safety Harbor, about an hour's drive away. Right where PFC Rossi's memorial service was scheduled to be. It reminded of the feelings that were inside of me at the loss of another 12th Cav trooper.
Arriving at the Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, you could not help but be impressed by all of the motorcycles and men of the Patriot Guard. Men that arrived early and stood with their Stars and Stripes flying high; one per man, each one honoring the passing of a Trooper that gave his all.
His tattoo proclaiming the dedication and sacrifice Trooper Rossi was willing to pay for service to his nation. One nation under God. The nation that proclaims liberty for all, a concept worth fighting for.
SGT Hernandez escorted PFC Rossi. The Sergeant moved slowly as he leaned upon his cane, healing from his own injury. Yet he was always close to his fellow Bravo Company Trooper, even during the hot, long walk at the cemetery. Staff Sergeant Griffin, Civil Affairs at McDill AFB, read letters from John's company commander and squad leader. There was no doubt to PFC Rossi's ability as a soldier.
The dedication of the Patriot Guard did not diminish the respect of John's services but proclaimed it. Dozens and dozens of these veteran's rode through the rain storm to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The procession was not counted by vehicles but by the miles it extended on the long trip to the Cemetery. The Patriots stood once again in the sweltering heat giving honor. Staying until the very last. I think John's chest was probably swelling in pride as he looked down from above at his fellow soldiers.
PFC Rossi loved the military and martial arts. According to friends and family, he was very good at many things and had touched the hearts of many people. He was following in his father’s footsteps, a career Air Force NCO. Jonathan Rossi was going to join his mother. She was also at rest at the Florida National Cemetery. I am sure the reunion was a wonderful event with the Angels singing in the Heavenly choir. Mike Rossi, John's father, stood tall in his uniform through it all. A stalwart military man on the outside, a broken hearted father on the inside.
My eyes water as I write this because Trooper Rossi will be so missed by all. In other ways I have also felt a drawing to John. In a future time, the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell will be my resting place also. One day I will come to know Jonathon Rossi well.
We all know John as a Soldier/Trooper. His tattoo said it all. "To win, you have to be prepared to die." John said and lived his commitment to life. He was prepared and gave all he had to give. GOD BLESS JOHN ROSSI!
Jonathan Rossi was Killed in Action on 1 July 2007 and laid to rest 11 July 2007. His Spirit alive and well forever.
Rev. Stephen Ford
Platoon Leader
B Co, 1/12th Cavalry
1st Cavalry Division
1968-69
Written on this 14th day of July, 2007