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!
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.