Major General John Rossi’s suicide
A number of folks have sent us links about Major General John Rossi who killed himself on July 31st He was two days away from pinning on his third star and taking command of the Army Space and Missile Command. He killed himself in his home at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama;
Investigators could find no event, infidelity, misconduct or drug or alcohol abuse, that triggered Rossi’s suicide, said a U.S. government official with direct knowledge of the investigation. It appears that Rossi was overwhelmed by his responsibilities, said the official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation.
Rossi himself talked in March about suicide at a conference on preventing troops from killing themselves.
He held up a card from his wallet with photos of 10 soldiers who had died under his command at Fort Sill, Okla. Four of them had committed suicide.
Category: Army News
22 a day needs to be zero.
We do not know what devils preyed him. Sometimes, it is very difficult to whom much is given and by whom much is earned to say, “Help me.”
May he rest in peace. It’s tough to see a a good solider go in this way.
Agreed. It’s impossible to know what devils torment another when they’re alone with themselves.
RIP, General. May God comfort your surviving family and friends.
Very well put.
Back in 1984 I was training soldiers at the 90th ARCOM in San Antonio, TX. I was there on the weekend MG Ownby killed himself.
http://www.militarycorruption.com/ownby.htm
The entire class had to be interviewed by the CID to see if we knew anything about his death.
Any known connections to the Clinton machine?
To clarify, I am in no way implying that he was a Clintonista, only wondering whether there might have been some reason they had it in for him.
In any case, my prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Eden,
For God’s sake, can’t you let the juvenile contest between the two political parties out of the picture for one moment while we mourn a good man and his feel sadness for his family and friends? I’m pretty sure that there was nothing political about what he chose to do, if you think there is, I’m sure we would all be interested in your proof. As a matter of fact, why don’t you find one of the many political conspiracy sites to post on or keep your paranoid delusions to yourself. I find your instinctive drive to blame a Veteran and Career soldiers life on some sort of political nonsense to be insulting; To him and all the other military members, high and low, active or retired, who have found the pain of living no longer tolerable. Grow Up and see reality if you want people to take you seriously. He didn’t commit suicide to feed your political delusions
That was a valid question. His suicide makes no sense. Most of the time, there is at least some reason for a suicide, but they found no reason for him to do it. They found nothing. He was two days away from becoming a 3 star general and he commits suicide? This doesn’t make sense at all.
Just because the reasons for the suicide aren’t public, doesn’t mean that they didn’t exist. People usually keep their darkest thoughts to themselves. That goes doubly for those in high positions who are expected to be role models to others and can’t show their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was battling some demons for years and put on a happy poker face every day for the rest of us. Of course that’s just uneducated speculation on my part. The real reasons might never be known.
If you to block my comments (as a Vietnam Vet and retired Navy, you should give a legitimate reason. Just because I don’t connect everything that happens in this world to a Clinton Plot, does not mean you get the right to censor me. Does my opinion give you the feeling that all Veterans hate whoever is the latest moron to run the country, a problem? maybe you think you’ll come under attack for printing my legitimate opinion? I’m afraid you are running a paranoid, delusional site and haven’t got the guts to let all voices be heard. The truth hurts, I guess, This you don’t have to post either and I’m sure you won’t. So goodbye, you brainwashed SOB, I will no longer bother to try and add a little common sense to YOUR site. Hope you enjoy talking to yourself. Much easier isn’t it?
https://youtu.be/PVrEwCa8nSA
In case you haven’t left yet (don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya):
You wrote: “Just because I don’t connect everything that happens in this world to a Clinton Plot, does not mean you get the right to censor me.”
1. You are not being “censored”. Jonn doesn’t even (usually) censor Lars (aka Commissar Poodledick), our resident Commie pinko Berkeley-ite.
2. This is Jonn’s blog. He can censor whomever he wants to.
3. And finally:
How about you read the FNG FAQ, Philbrick? Obviously you didn’t bother.
Had you done so, you’d have known that a change to your screen name and/or email address would cause comments using that new screen name and/or email address to be moderated until Jonn had approved the changed ID info.
Here, you used two different screen names. You posted earlier under yet another variant screen name on this thread. That first one had been approved by Jonn; these two variants had not. Ergo, the comments using these two variant screen names got moderated until Jonn approved them – just like the FAQ says will happen.
It’s a good idea to do one’s homework before waxing ignorant publicly. Doing your homework first can often prevent your appearing to be a fool.
Whether you come back or not is your business. But don’t expect to be spoon-fed everything if you do. You’ll be expected to have enough common sense and initiative to figure the easy stuff out for yourself – like, maybe, by reading the FAQ and “lurking” a while before posting a comment.
Rest you well General.
Wow… days away from assuming a new command and promotion. No issues with drugs alcohol or his personal life. I wonder if the 10 deaths at Ft. Sill took a toll on him?
I pray that Major General John Rossi’s soul is at peace and pray for his family, friends and others that are in pain over his loss.
RIP Grneral
General
Damn.
Sometimes, the things that lurk in the shadows of your mind will not leave you alone.
Amen
Sad to hear, but at least he was not into anything crooked, illegal, etc.
Prayers to his family.
There are dark places is almost everyone’s mind. For some, it is overwhelming and they take the suicide route. I don’t know that we ever really know why they choose that exit. Lost a very good friend to suicide while on active duty. He was the last person I ever thought would do that. It was years ago, but I still wonder why you chose that Buzz.
So many suicides. I understand being in that place. Your perceptions lie to you.I know several friends and fellow service members that have committed suicide. It seems bewildering to family and friends left behind but in that moment it does not feel irrational.
I really have no idea why a decent guy who spent all those years climbing up that greasy pole (with usually much assistance from his spouse) would destroy himself and his families dreams right at the summit and success of all his work and dreams. This truly is a mystery that may go unsolved. If it is solved, it would open up new sight lines as to why so many military pers. (both high and low) take their lives. I surely don’t get it, particularly when there is no obvious black side of his life to pin it on. Even if he was gay, that is no longer the career killer it once was. Maybe that is different at the top, I don’t know. I am more knowledgeable about moving from E-6 to E-7. where personal preferences aren’t relevant. Just performance and time in grade. And I am not intimating he was gay, that is just an example of hidden shame, which we all hope is long gone. The first Black soldier and the first Woman soldier had to go through a giant pile of rejection and distrust, before they were finally accepted. They always yack about “unit cohesion” when that always turns out to be a biased excuse for prejudice. “The Army hates change” as Maj. Reacher would say, and this fictional character was right. But change is the natural order of things and can’t be stopped forever, that’s for sure. So I don’t really have a clue why he would do this, the references are just examples. I’d like to know, but not if it exposed or hurt his family or friends in any way. He was a good man and a good soldier, that’s all I need to know, and I’m pretty sure the Army is worse off without him. P. Philbrick USN-Ret.
You went off on someone’s suggestion that the Political Machine was involved in this man’s death, but you quoted Jack Reacher? I’m guessing next we will hear how the Mission Impossible series stands out as theatrical masterpieces….
Been happening a long time, I guess it’s pretty hard being the top dog and finding someone to ask for help.
I was doing some reading and found out Merritt A “Red Mike” Edson took his own life.
Retired Marine Major General and USMC legend.
Bananna Wars, WW2 Commanded a Raider BN. Medal of Honor, Two Navy Crosses, Silver Star.
Sat in his car in his garage door closed and engine running. No one ever knew why.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merritt_A._Edson#Retirement
Who is Kay Griggs?
This should answer your question.
Aut pax aut bellum.
Somebody threatened his family for codes and capability secrets, tried to compel him to treason. He killed himself instead.
source?
Interesting. This is compelling considering the timing. I also wonder if there was a bad batch of immunizations at fort sill. If the families pulled the medical records and looked at the dates there may be correlation. I am glad you had the nerve to say something
It is time for all good men to come to the and of their country
If you havent dealt with those who are suicidal, or those profoundly addicted, there is a useful metaphor:
The Monster
There is a monster lurking in the shadow of the mind. It never sleeps, never slacks, never forgets, never stops.
“Do it.”
You are awake or asleep, Joyful or weeping, busy or bored. Thoughtful or stupid. Drunk, drugged, or stone cold sober.
“Do it!”
Worshipping or reasoning. Night or day. On and on.
“DO IT!!!!!!”
-that- is what you are fighting. It -is- a monster.
This makes absolutely no sense, yet explains every one of them I have known.
If you chose to intervene, or to survive, you must face the monster, cage it, and learn to silence it.
But for most, it is suppressed , not dispelled.
But,
It -can- be done. caged and gagged. But never, ever doubt it is there.
Dont listen to the Monster. Listen to Hope. Hope is quiet, and must be sought.
sober another day. Still here to count.
I’ve heard it referred to as a sleeping dragon. Maybe not awake, but always there.
Those that don’t get it, be thankful.
Congrats on another day, brother.
Rest Well Sir
May you find the peace, that you couldn’t or eluded you here
“There are dark places in almost everyone’s mind. For some, it is overwhelming”
Walking Heavy is a phrase that has an understanding of being weighted down by the things you hold inside yourself.
There are things that were committed or witnessed that many will carry to the grave, whether as the one mentioned above or in fading away.
When you get into certain positions, the higher up you get, the less people you have to confide in about your issues and stress.
The old saying, “It’s lonely at the top”, is about more than social isolation.
I don’t mean to rock the boat, but something about this doesn’t strike me as kosher. I don’t know why, but something doesn’t sound right.
Same here. Of course, my mentioning that fact got someone’s knickers in a twist. . .
Maybe he had a lover and she threatened to disclose the relationship.
Umm, reading comprehension issues?
“Investigators could find no event, infidelity, misconduct or drug or alcohol abuse, that triggered Rossi’s suicide, said a U.S. government official with direct knowledge of the investigation.”
Doesn’t mean something isn’t there, though either. Curious, but we probably will never know. But shit, I mean who does that two days before a promotion? I guess if I HAD to do it, I’d wait until afterwards at least. Promotions were hard to come by, just sayin’.
I know as a fact he did not kill himself. He was murdered. I know him since we were 5 years old. I know what he was doing up until minutes before his wife found him dead on the floor. An autopsy was requested within hours, which was “un conclusive” He was buried within hours. GET IT.
If by hours you mean 5 days.
http://www.waff.com/story/32724218/funeral-announced-for-redstone-arsenal-commanding-general
Died 31 July, article’s dated 9 August, funeral was 3 days later. Closer to 2 weeks than 5 days by my count.
Not intended as a poke in the eye. Just pointing out that your case is even stronger than the statement you made.
No poke felt, and no pun intended.
I was surprised to read such a sad statement from the best friend. I know nothing personally yet I felt on first read it was unusual. My sincerest condolences to the family. Perhaps hiring a private investigator and or an independent forensic pathologist may help. There are also sensitives and empathetics.
I am again compelled to comment on this suicide. I am bothered by a name Murphy. I do not know the connection if any. Again I find this death odd. Like the disappearance of flight 370. I also feel that somehow this death is linked to another. I just get impressions. I pray that God will provide solace. End.
I knew MG Rossi. I had spoken to him before at events on post. He was a straight professional but you easily could sense that good personal side in him. His “suicide” was shocking to me. I used to work in BH and believe me, a lot of higher ranking people tend to not seek help because of that stigma attached and if they do, it would be from home or somewhere private. It breaks my heart to see rude comments or assumptions about his life or death. I know we all are curious as to why, I know I am but I truly believe only He and God know why. I do not think he was overwhelmed as some may have said. We never know about the demons anyone else is fighting. I just know it is a huge loss!!!!
Wow, this is truly sad when people lose their humanity and can’t find an ounce of deceny to respect the deceased. To take the low road by bringing politics into this horrendous event is tragic. Unfortunately, whatever MG Rossi was feeling to lead him to this will never be known to us. I only knew him as Capt. Rossi, back in Ft. Bliss 1988 when the AD unit was moved to Ft. Hood, before Desert Sheild and Desert Storm; he was my husbands CO. Which his unit ultimately went to both campaigns. It was such a difficult time for my family, and all families invloved with that move, because my husband would leave to work at 4 am and come home at midnight or later. We had very little family time, and the stress was definitely factor. As for my husband and the soldiers he was responsible for as a SSGT, even then we had suicides in his unit. I can’t imagine what or why these poor souls felt this was their only way out. May he RIP and may God embrace his family and friends in this their hour of need.