Local News
Sun City Festival Resident George Cross to Celebrate 100th Birthday with Community and Distinguished Guests
Representatives from the Army, Luke Air Force Base, and the 82nd Airborne Association will also be present to honor George’s extraordinary life and service.
Sun City Festival resident George Cross will mark a remarkable milestone on Thursday, January 9, 2025, as he celebrates his 100th birthday.
The community is invited to join the celebration, which will take place at the Indigo Grille, starting at 2:00 PM.
The event will be attended by several distinguished guests, including the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Buckeye, Penney Pew, a representative from Congressman Paul Gosar’s Office, and Nick Kupper, Representative-Elect for Arizona’s House District 25.
Representatives from the Army, Luke Air Force Base, and the 82nd Airborne Association will also be present to honor George’s extraordinary life and service.
About George Cross:
George Cross was born on January 9, 1925, in Dewey, Oklahoma. At just 16 years old, he was inspired to become a paratrooper after an Army paratrooper visited his school. George and his best friend Donovan decided that day to pursue a life of service and adventure.
At 17, George joined the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper and bazooka specialist. On June 5, 1944, the day before D-Day, George courageously parachuted into Normandy during Operation Overlord, landing in pastures near Sainte-Mère-Église with critical orders to “prevent the Germans from reaching the beach.”
His bravery and dedication in the face of danger contributed to the Allied success during this pivotal moment in World War II.
George also participated in several other significant battles and operations throughout the remainder of the war, showcasing unwavering heroism and commitment to his country.
This celebration not only honors George’s remarkable milestone but also his incredible legacy of courage, service, and resilience.
For more information about the event, please contact Gary Smith at 707-628-4983.
Happy 100th Birthday, George Cross! Your community salutes you!
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.