Army Captain Andrew Patrick Ross from the Shenandoah Valley was one of three servicemen killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday

WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below regarding the passing of United States Army Captain Andrew Ross:

“It saddens me to recognize Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, one of our United States who grew up in Lexington, Virginia, within the heart of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District.

Captain Ross approached me when he sought an appointment to the United States Military Academy. He was a remarkable candidate for nomination and shone brightly during my interview with him. Having met Drew personally, his success while enrolled and his graduation from West Point came as no surprise. He excelled in the military, earning the honors and decorations of two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, among others, and became a distinguished member of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), the Green Berets.

Captain Ross will also be remembered among his friends from the Lexington community and his fellow Rockbridge County High School students. His leadership on the soccer field and his example when leading graduating seniors from the class of 2011 during the Pledge of Allegiance are examples of his dedication and commitment to excellence.

Those cherishing his memory most will, of course, be his family. My heartfelt condolences go out to each one of them.

Drew Ross not only answered the call of his country to protect the freedoms we all so cherish, he paid the utmost price to guarantee freedom for others. Drew gave his life to make our nation stronger and safer for those of us who remain and for generations to come. My prayer is that his family will be comforted during this difficult time and knows that we will hold fast to the example of Drew’s noble service.”