Walter F. Rosso

in Boston, Massachusetts on August 8th, 1936. Mr. Rosso was the son of Eleanor Glenn Rosso.

WALT ROSSO: Military Service

Walt entered the Army on 15 April 1962 at Fort Bragg, NC and became a career soldier, giving twenty-four years of service to his country. Walt enjoyed his Military service. After progressing through the ranks to Staff Sergeant E-6, he was given a direct commission to Second Lieutenant. Walt (Captain Rosso) served as Company Commander of “Charlie” company 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Ft Campbell, KY. On 11 June 1966, Walt was assigned as Company Commander of Headquarters company, 4th Battalion, 503 Airborne Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep), Republic of South Vietnam, where he was later wounded in action. Walt later served a second tour in Vietnam.

AWARDS and COMMENDATIONS:

National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal w/”V” Device 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam National Police Merit Service Medal 2nd Class, Belgian Parachutist Badge, Greek Parachutist Badge, French Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge.

SCHOOLS:

NATO Joint Warfare, USA Infantry School, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Jungle Warfare Training, Instructor Training Course, Air Transport Planning Course, Pathfinder School, Infantry Officer Advanced Course Major Walter F. Rosso was honorably discharged in 1986. Walt was a Life Member of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association, SC Chapter 30 Respectfully share by Bob and Jean Stowell: If I could remember all the stories I have told to family and friends about Walt Rosso, I could write a big book.

Walt possessed many admirable traits:

1. KINDNESS. Jean and I remember so well how Walt, as my first CO, kindly received me as a green second Lieutenant at Fort Campbell. Walt also included Jean in everything and made us feel welcome and validated. Jean said Walt treated her like a daughter and watched over her while I was in airborne and Ranger schools. When Jean learned we were going to Vietnam, she was comforted by knowing Walt would take care of me.

2. COURAGEOUS. In Vietnam, as I was regaining consciousness from my gunshot wound surgery, the first words I heard were from my surgeon. He first wanted to know who I knew in Omaha as I had listed Jean at her nursing school address. He then told me he graduated from Nebraska's medical school. He then asked me if I knew Walt Rosso as he had performed surgery on his very serious chest and lung wounds five days prior. He then proceeded to tell me that as Walt came out of surgery, the doctor discovered his lung was still leaking so he told Walt he would have to put him under again. Walt said, "No, drive on Doc I don't need more anesthetic" so that's what the doctor did. The doctor called Walt, the toughest SOB he had ever met. I agreed with the doctor!

3. PERSEVERANCE. Because of our wonderful friendship with Walt and Peggy, we bought a house next to them in Columbus, Georgia. Walt was threatened with a medical discharge because he could not use one arm after the mine hit him. Walt pleaded to be given a chance to rehab. He had the city dump a load of concrete chunks in front of our houses. He then bought a sledgehammer. Both hands could grip the hammer handle, but only one arm could lift the hammer and the other arm was just along for the ride. Walt broke all the concrete into smaller pieces and used it for rip rap on the creek bank behind our houses. In the process, he gained one and a half inches to his neck measurement and rehabilitated his arm to the point he was allowed to stay in the army, and eventually complete his dream of skydiving in all 50 states as well as achieving his 1000th free fall. (Which is a whole new story in and of itself). Walt also persevered in pursuing his education as he completed his GED, and through bootstrap his college education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

4. TRUE FRIEND. Jean and I were totally blessed to have Walt visit us in Nebraska several times during his schooling and while on his quest to jump in every state. I am also eternally thankful we were able to visit Walt and Betsy last year in their beautiful home in Columbia South Carolina. They treated us like royalty and showed us a wonderful time. Of course, we were not allowed to spend a dime for anything. Walt was a great soldier and a true friend. I am so thankful he was a part of our lives, but we will miss him greatly.

Walt Rosso, Maj. Ret. US Army

Walt, Captain Rosso, at the time I served under him, he was the Company Commander of “Charlie” company, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, Fort Campbell, KY. As the commander and through his outstanding leadership “Charlie” company was able to obtain, on several occasions, the highest rating, tactically and technically of excellence in all areas for an airborne infantry company. Walt was an infantry company commander who led from the front. He was aggressive in every aspect of leadership from complementing and recognizing a well-deserving soldier to letting you know very vocally and in a stern manner when you did not measure up to his standards as a non-commissioned officer, to a soldier of lower rank. Receiving a reprimand from Walt meant you had to either “shape up or ship out”, and it was something that you never forgot. Walt was the most proficient, effective, and motivating officer that met the US Army requirements to lead a combat infantry company training for combat duty in Vietnam. Walt was in the center of everything under his command and treated his men with dignity and respect. His drive for excellence served him well during his entire military career and into his civilian career attested by one, of many of his great achievements by mastering the art of “skydiving” and having the pleasure of performing this great art by having the recognition of “skydiving” in all fifty states. CareConnect Health Board We are honored to acknowledge the exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication of Mr. Walter Rosso as a Board member of CareConnect Health Board of Directors. Throughout his 14 years’ tenure (2007 – 2021), he exhibited an outstanding level of service, commitment, expertise, and leadership that has greatly enhanced our organization's 39 missions and success. Mr. Rosso consistently demonstrated his exceptional strategic vision, insightful decision-making, and ability to navigate complex challenges. His invaluable guidance and insights were always instrumental in shaping the direction of our organization, enabling us to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Mr. Rosso exhibited the highest level of integrity, ethics, and a genuine passion for our organization and 39 missions. He was a tireless advocate, dedicating his time and energy to support our initiatives, championing our cause, and fostering strong relationships within the communities CareConnect Health serves. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Rosso for his exceptional service, invaluable contributions, and unwavering dedication to our organization. In recognition of his outstanding character, work, integrity, and dedication not only as a Board member of CareConnect Health but as a human being, we proudly honor Mr. Rosso and express our deepest appreciation for his remarkable service. Mr. Rosso’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of excellence. Walter F. Rosso was a longtime resident of Chattahoochee County and whose dedication and selfless contributions to Cusseta-Chattahoochee shall always be remembered. Walter F. Rosso served as an Assessor to the Board of Assessors from August 2001-December 2006, Then as a County Commissioner from January 1, 2007- December 31, 2010, Then once again served another term as County Commissioner January 1, 2015-December 31, 2019. He also served as Chairman to New Horizons for many years. The progress made during Walter F. Rosso’s service to the Unified Government of Cusseta-Chattahoochee County can be attributed to his love for his community and, dedication and allegiance to the County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta-Chattahoochee Georgia, does hereby honor and commend the service of Walter F. Rosso. His life consisted of many accomplishments, being a cattle rancher. He enjoyed this for the next 25 years. He became a real estate agent, gas truck driver, house flipper and County Commissioner of Cusseta -Chattahoochee County in Georgia. He was a wonderfully loving Dad, Grandpa and Granddaddy to all his children, grands and great grands.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth McCurdy and partner Robert McCurdy; stepson, Kevin Harralson ( Melanie Harralson); Grandchildren, Heather Jo Mashburn (Mark Mashburn), Ray Harralson (Katie Harralson), Kevin McCurdy (Kelsey McCurdy), Chelsea White (DJ White) Jenna Gibson (Jason Gibson); Also, 7 glorious great grandchildren that he was thrilled to know. He is predeceased by his wife, Sue Jones-Rosso; daughter, Yvonne Tolman; step son, Lynn Pate; stepdaughter, Krystal Coleman; stepson, Kendall Harralson; stepdaughter, Kim Haralson; and his grandsons, Andrew and Michael Duhaime.

A Graveside Service will be held on June 26, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Ft. Moore (Ft. Benning) National Cemetery, 66 Custer Rd. Columbus, GA at Fort Benning, GA 31905. Refreshments to follow at the Masons Hall on Ft Benning.

Donations can be made to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004. There is a list of charities that Walt gave to routinely, however this Indian School for orphaned children was his favorite. Thank you.