Purnell Fred Ross, Jr
by Freddye Ross
During Purnell Fred Ross's thirty (30+) years of government services, he held many management and leadership positions, primarily in the Air Force high technical areas. Fred was assigned to the former Pease Air Force Base famous "509th" Avionics Squadron as Manager in 1981. Ross had gained the reputation as a problem solver and was transferred to Pease to "fix problems". Under Ross' aegis, the Squadron solved many internal problems including solving a serious problem of unplanned abrupt pitches with certain aircrafts.
After thirty (30+) years of continuous military services, retiring at the top Enlisted rank of "Chief", Ross received a direct Commission to the rank of Captain in the Air Force Auxiliary, (CAP) and currently hold the rank of Major. Among numerous military awards is the Bronze Star with a "V" for Valor.
Fred served as Assistant Aerospace Science Instructor at Spaulding High School, Rochester, NH. The program is known as the Junior Reserve Officers Training (AFROTC). The program at Spaulding was considered as one of the best in New England by the Air Force. He taught in the program for 14 years before retiring in 2000 and continued in the area of teaching by substituting in Dover schools in all grade levels. In 2004, Fred again was involved in Reserve Officers Training at Dover High School, Dover, NH, this time establishing a Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training (NROTC).
In 2002 Fred Ross was elected President of the Portsmouth NAACP Branch and was re-elected in 2004 for a second term while serving as N H State Coordinator for the NAACP. During the 2005 New England Area Conference NAACP Convention, Ross was elected 2nd Vice President and was elected to serve on the Credential Committee during The 2006 NAACP National Convention, he also assisted in helping the Greater Nashua NAACP Branch secure their Charter in 2005.
Ross was responsible for relocation of the NAACP Branch meeting place from downtown Portsmouth to a more suitable location at Pease International Tradeport, played a major role in recruiting of new members to the Branch, the membership has increased more than 200% with the support of an outstanding Executive Committee.
Fred has been married to the former Cfreddye Ewing for the past 47 years. They shared there life with four adult children, one daughter-in-law, three sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. Fred and Freddye have lived in Dover, NH for over 22 years. During their military years the Ross's lived in nine different states and Southeast Asia.
Fred believes in making the Human situations better, for that he is often called on to participate in functions toward making New Hampshire as well as southern Maine a better place to live, work, and play, to eliminate racism, bigotry, and discrimination in all its ugly forms through mediations, lectures and other lawful means. Giving lectures at the NH Police Academy, Timberland, and the University of New Hampshire on Diversity and the need to respect each other.
Ross was recently appointed by Governor John Lynch as a
Member of THE NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMISION for HUMAN RIGHTS.
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"As noted in the plaque given to Fred last December, Fred has always honored the central theme of NAACP, "Inclusiveness...we welcome all people of good intention." Fred knows the art of leadership. When he disagrees with a colleague, he does so respectfully and in a helpful manner".Nina Jordon 1st Vice President
