Cody Gross deployed to Afghanistan
April 3, 2012
Army Private Cody Gross and his new-born daughter, Hollie Rae, shortly before his deployment to Afghanistan.
Cody Gross, 18, who graduated early from Bonners Ferry High School in January, 2011, so he could join the U.S. Army, and immediately left for basic military training in Fort Benning, Georgia, recently deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Bridgade, Second Infantry Division Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

On the day after Christmas, just prior to his deployment, he became a father, as he and his wife celebrated the arrival of the beautiful Holly Rae.

Cody, the son of Rick and Jaye Gross, Moyie Springs, is a private first class serving with B Company, 1/23 Infantry Battalion, currently serving in the Zangabad area south of Kandahar. His unit is expected to return home by the end of this year.

"We do hear from Cody frequently at this point, as do some of his best friends, via phone calls or Facebook," his mother said. "To all of you who can't be reached, he says, 'Hey!' and that he'll see them soon."

According to Jaye, Cody has aspired to join the Army since he was in grade school, and while she's glad to see that he's fulfilled his dream, she's also grateful for all the prayers and good wishes keeping her son safe.