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Colonel Ross’ Tribute Blog
Colonel (Ret.) Jerry W. Ross, BPharm, was born in Clarksville, TN and was a thirty year veteran of the United States Air Force. Ross grew up in Tennessee, and received his bachelor of science degree in pharmacy in 1967 from the University of Tennessee. During his Air Force career he was stationed in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and other states. He implemented one of the early unit dose programs in the Air Force and was well known for his drug abuse prevention activities in both the civilian and military communities.
Besides a dynamic personality, appreciative gentleness, and humorous character, Colonel Ross was a trailblazer for military pharmacy. His 30-year Air Force career spanned the ranks of Airman Basic to Colonel, from pharmacy technician to Medical Group Commander, to the first Pharmacist as the Chief of the Biomedical Sciences Corps. Many of the programs and opportunities available to technicians and pharmacists today are a direct result of the contributions of Colonel Ross.
Colonel Ross leaves behind a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and service. He demonstrated gratitude for all of life, and a genuine caring for people, their health, and their wellbeing. He was passionate about the profession of pharmacy and set the success of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as his life’s work.
After his retirement in 1998, Colonel Ross remained active in the Air Force and military community and worked with the Schering-Plough and GlaxoSmithKline Corporations.
Among military decorations, Colonel Ross earned the Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commentation Medal and the Air Force Achievement medal. Colonel Ross was also the recipient of the Maxine Beatty Award as the Senior Air Force Pharmacist of the Year.
“Now go out and make a difference!” ~~ Jerry Ross, BOMO notes, Sept 2006