PromiseLand San Marcos joined with 8 other churches to pray for Fort Hood soldiers’ in the Phantom Trackers unit.

We got word today that one of the soldiers was killed in battle late last week.  Please pray for the family and friends left behind.  Here is a letter from the leader of the unit:

Squadron Commander’s Tribute  | LTC David E. M. Jones

We are gathered here tonight to pay tribute to Corporal Frank Gross who proudly served as a member of Charlie Troop.  Corporal Gross had already accomplished a lot by the time he joined the Army.  At 24, he had already earned a Masters Degree in Entertainment Science and was at the beginning of an exciting journey with a bright future.  Rather than pursue money or fame, Corporal Gross chose to Serve his Nation during a time of war.  Shortly after finishing Basic and Advanced Individual Training, he joined the Phantom Trackers and joined 1^st Detachment where he met many great new friends and found his new calling as a communications specialist in the Unit.

Corporal Gross was an exceptionally talented and dedicated Soldier who quickly earned the respect of all of us.  His easy going nature made him fun to be around and those who knew him the best talk about how he loved to joke around and have a good laugh.  He definitely lived his life to the fullest and while his duty called him to the sands of Afghanistan, his heart remained with those he loved and particularly for his passion for surfing.  He dreamed of one day riding the waves along Coco Beach Florida once again.  I only wish I had more time to get to know him along the way.

Corporal Frank Gross has now joined the long line of heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice trying to secure a war-torn land.  He stands among those patriots at the pinnacle of our society who have selflessly given everything to protect those who could not protect themselves.  He is the most honorable of men and I can assure you that each time I look upon the broad stripes and bold stars of our magnificent flag, I will always think of Corporal Frank Gross and the price he paid so that others might be free.

From this day forward, I will pay tribute to Corporal Frank Gross by marching on.  The Phantom Trackers will fight on to victory so that his life will not have been given in vein.  And I will honor him through the success and by accomplishing our mission to the best possible extent.  Corporal Frank Gross – you will never be forgotten and I wish you God’s Speed on your new journey.  Until we meet again in that shady meadow down at Fiddler’s Green . . .

“Always in Front!”