Remembering Ross & Supporting the Reynolds Family

This GoFundMe was created with input from and approved by the Reynolds family.

 

On Friday, March 18th, a tragic accident during a training exercise in Norway abruptly took the lives of four Marines. One of those Marines was 27-year-old Leominster, Mass. native Captain Ross Reynolds—a caring and devoted husband, brother, uncle, son, and friend.

 

Ross had an innate desire to serve. He joined Scouts at an early age and, through dedication to his community and grit, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. But this was only the beginning of Ross’ commitment to service. In 2017, he became a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Unsurprisingly, he overcame the rigorous crucibles that Marines must endure to earn the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Ross’ dreams and ambitions were boundless, and they took him to the sky, as he earned his wings as an Osprey pilot. It was serving in this line of duty—strengthening international relationships and ensuring the safety of our country—that Ross was taken all too soon.

 

I was fortunate to meet Ross in Cub Scouts just after I moved to our hometown in Massachusetts. I was the new kid. Though I was nervous and barely able to speak English, Ross welcomed me with empathy and open arms. A friend turned into a brother when we both became Marines. I am eternally grateful for him, and I’ll miss our long conversations.

 

Ross shared a special bond with his remarkable life partner, Lana. As a young, recently married couple, they were excited about their future. Ready for the next step, they had recently bought a home. Ross and Lana’s connection was rare and beautiful, and it was a source of pride for both of them. Ross’ eagerness for what the future held was palpable. He approached everything in his life with passion.

 

Ross was an inspiring, kind young man with an infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. It is impossible to find a picture where he isn’t sporting his signature ear-to-ear grin. Regardless of who he interacted with, his smile was accompanied by kindness and compassion. You couldn’t help but feel happy, safe, and comfortable when around Ross.

 

Tragedies such as this carry with them more than just emotional pain. Once everything settles, costs will begin to pile up. All proceeds will go directly to the Reynolds Family to help alleviate these logistical, housing, and unforeseeable costs.