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!
SALISBURY, Md. — A 25-year-old motorcyclist has died from injuries sustained in a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a minivan in Salisbury, Maryland. Dylan Ryan Luffman passed away on November 2, three days after the crash that left him critically injured.
According to the Salisbury Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 6:54 a.m. on October 30 at the intersection of Route 50, also known as East Salisbury Parkway, and the crossover leading to southbound Route 13.
Police reported that a 2011 Honda Odyssey was traveling south through the crossover and attempting to enter southbound Route 13 when it collided with Luffman’s 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle.
At the time of the crash, Luffman was traveling eastbound on Route 50. The collision involved one person in each vehicle.
The impact left Luffman with serious injuries, prompting an emergency response from Salisbury EMS.
Following the collision, Luffman was transported by Salisbury EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for emergency medical treatment.
He remained hospitalized as medical personnel worked to treat his injuries. Despite those efforts, his condition proved fatal. On November 2, Luffman succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
His death has turned an already devastating crash into a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and loved ones.
The Salisbury Police Department is conducting an advanced crash investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward.
Dylan Ryan Luffman was just 25 years old. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how suddenly a person’s life can change following a serious roadway collision.
For his family and friends, the days following the crash were filled with uncertainty and hope as he fought to recover. His death on November 2 brings profound sorrow to those who knew and loved him.
At only 25, Dylan had so much life ahead of him. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the people whose lives he touched, and his loved ones now face the difficult task of navigating life without him.
Our deepest condolences go out to Dylan’s family, friends, and everyone mourning his loss. May they find strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
May Dylan Ryan Luffman rest in eternal peace.