Harrison County native Daniel Gross retires after 24 years of Army service

Daniel Gross retired this month after a distinguished 24-year military career. A Harrison County native, he was born and raised locally, surrounded by both sides of his family. His wife, Holly Gross, formerly Holly Smith, is a Cadiz native.

“I was commissioned onto active duty as a second lieutenant in 2000,” Daniel Gross said. He was commissioned as an aviation officer and completed flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he became an Army aviator. His early assignments included serving as an AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter pilot and platoon leader, a role he described as “exactly what I wanted to do.”

Gross and his family were stationed across the U.S., including Fort Hood, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Fort Knox, Kentucky. He also served overseas.

“I spent four years overseas,” Daniel Gross said. “One year was spent stationed in Korea, away from my family. The other three years were spent in three combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

He deployed in 2005 for 12 months in northern Iraq, again in 2007 for 15 months in central and northern Iraq, and in 2013 for nine months in eastern Afghanistan.

“During all three combat deployments, I flew Apache gunship helicopters supporting ground security and combat operations while holding various staff and leadership positions,” he said.

Daniel Gross and Holly Gross have three children: Kathryn Gross, Jackson Gross and Nathan Gross. Kathryn was born at the start of her father’s military career, and he recalled one moment in particular.

“My most memorable day was coming home from my first combat deployment in 2005. After being gone from my wife and kids for nearly 12 months, I arrived home on Christmas Eve. Best Christmas ever.”

Gross rose through the ranks to lieutenant colonel.

“I was truly blessed with great peers and mentors who made some very difficult times a great learning and growth opportunity,” he said. “The teamwork and camaraderie throughout my entire career made the stress bearable and such a rewarding experience.”

His decorations include the Master Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Senior Army Instructor Badge. His awards include three Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal and three Army Commendation Medals.

“Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned: the power of a loving and supporting family and friend network, making the most out of where you are and what you are doing, and that nothing big can be done alone,” Daniel Gross said. “It was my absolute honor to serve this great country while serving alongside brothers and sisters in arms with whom I created lifelong bonds.”

The Gross family now lives in State College, Pennsylvania, where they plan to remain until their children finish school. Holly Gross works for the local school district, and Daniel Gross recently started a position as a supervisor at life science manufacturing facility MilliporeSigma.

Jackson Gross is currently enrolled in the Army ROTC program at Penn State University and will commission as an active-duty officer upon graduation.

“Dan has always served his country and his family humbly and selflessly,” Holly Gross said. “He has also been a mentor and role model for so many soldiers and cadets, but most importantly for our children. The Army has been a way of life for us, and we are proud and thankful to be a part of the Army community and family.”