On December 4th 2006, SPC McGinnis died when he used his body to shield a grenade from killing four of his army comrades. He could have saved his own life by jumping from the humvee. Instead, Ross dove into the humvee onto the grenade. Shortly after the news broadcast of his heroic deed, Village to Village Foundation (V2V) was formed. The founders of V2V were so inspired by this 19 year old, whose action is best explained by his father Thomas McGinnis,

"...The choice for Ross was simple, but simple does not mean easy. His straightforward answer to a simple but difficult choice should stand as a shining example for the rest of us. We all face simple choices, but how often do we choose to make a sacrifice to get the right answer? The right choice sometimes requires honor."

Ross A McGinnis Video is Below 

 The video below was created by Ross' cousin Alison.  She compiled childhood photos along with videos Ross made during his assignment in Iraq.  Some of the text in the beginning is not accurate; such as, he turned 19 on his last birthday, not 20.  It does not take away from the message.  Alison captures Ross and his life experiences with tenderness and reality combined. 

Ross' parents approve of this video being on this website.

Arlington National Cemetary - Ross Andrew McGinnis

 It is time to pick up his torch and Pay His Good Deed Forward. We are all connected. Accept this torch in his honor.

Pay His Good Deed Forward for him. Get Connected!

WHAT PATH ARE YOU TAKING ?

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Ross' Blog

Posted July 27, 2009

Hi there! I am so greatful for one very kind lady that helped me out at the blooms grocery store. I had my checkbook stolen and my bank gave me starter checks, before I went and did my shopping of what I needed to pick up for me and my daughter (which is 7 1/2 months old) they told me that they would accept my check. Well, low and behold that I found out different. I was so embarressed! I was ready to walk out and leave my groceries there until this VERY KIND HEARTED lady behind me offered to pay for them. I was so greatful and embarressed at the same time, I did not know what to do. Outside in the parking lot she gave me a token and I was very happy to receive it! I would like to re-pay her back. But I will pass this token on. I am going to post this website on my facebook account to let others know to support this and to keep passing this on. Our troops need to come home!! They do not need to keep dying in vaine!!! Again, I thank you VERY MUCH!! From the bottom of my heart!!!! 

Posted July 7, 2009

In March Jim and I visited my cousin in the hospital. She had undergone a complete hysterectomy due to ovarian cancer. I offered to help her in any way I could; treatments, follow-up appointments; whatever she needed. I imagine that the offer of help is often more of a comforting statement, but I wanted my offer to be more than an empty promise.

One evening Joyce did call and asked if I could take her to an appointment the following week. I drove I drove her to that appointment and a couple others since. Spurred by your recent letter, it dawned on me that this was my “pass it forward”good deed.

Since Joyce is still recovering I was unsure about passing the token on to her. Then I thought “why not”. Joyce is a good person and I know she will pass on a good deed whenever she is able.

I explained to her how we had come to know you thought Doug and why you started the foundation. Joyce was smiling as I told her the story because she already knew who Ross was, having read about about him in the newspaper. She seemed happy to receive the token and I was happy that I decided to give it to her.  

And that is my “pay it forward” story.

Sincerely,

Chris Slovak 

 Posted July 1, 2009

My name is Michelle Connolly (Severna Park, Maryland) and I am honored to have the privilege to work with Village to Village Foundation. I serve on the Board of Directors as the graphic designer and printer for most of the informational materials used by V2V. When I heard the story of Ross McGinnis I immediately took Diane and Galynn up on their offer to join them in working with V2V. Ross’s heroic act is a tribute to his country, his comrades, and his family and friends; but more than anything, it is the ultimate example of how each of us can affect lives positively by taking time to consider others first. I encourage everyone to take time to do a good deed for someone. It doesn’t have to be monumental, just a kind word to someone who is feeling down, take a visit to Walter Reed and sit and talk with our veterans – many who have no family nearby to visit with them, send a care package to Afghanistan, or just share your umbrella with someone on a rainy day. It only takes one act of kindness to lift up someone’s spirit and put a smile on a face full of stress and worry. Please take a moment out of your day to do a good deed for someone today…you may change a life. Together…we may change the world.

In remembrance of Ross McGinnis and his Good Deed,

Michelle Connolly

Posted June 11, 2009

I just wanted to say what a great experience it has been to be part of Village to Village and work on the Ross McGinnis initiative. Being part of the small group that has worked so hard to honor this young soldier is something I and all of us can be proud of. It has been difficult, frustrating, tiring, but mostly rewarding. I have learned so much and done things I never would've thought possible. He gave his life for us, I only give some of my time for him. I thank you Ross McGinnis for in your heroic death you have made me grow. I hope we can honor you as you have honored us. I have my Pay a Good Deed Forward in honor of Ross McGinnis ready to pass on. I keep thinking of things to do that are large enough to be worthy but I think in reality we never know how a small act of kindness may be large to someone else. So good deeds be done large or small in honor of 19 year old SPC Ross A. McGinnis for in reality they are all large.

Sincerely Diane Griest

Posted May 28, 2009

Hello:
I just wanted to go on record to say how proud I am of my sister and her friends for the effort they are making to honor those soldiers and thier families who have lost thieir lives fighting for our freedom in this horrendous war in Iraq. I live in my cozy little world of going to work, coming home and picking up the channel changer and wasting time doing nothing for no one. Well wish me luck cause I'm getting off my butt and I' going to find a fallen solder in my area to bring to light the sacrafice they and thier families have made for me and my family. I hope to have a token made for someone here in the Albany NY area to recognize and remember their life and the ultimate gift they have given up for us. Again I want to thank my sister and her commrads for the time and unselfish effort they put into this foundation every day. For God's sake they went to the White House and to the president not long after they started this project. It's only uphill from here. So Thank you Galynn & Diane and friends for your time and caring to remember those who who gave up their lives for us. And thank you to the families that go on everyday without those loved ones in their life. I appriciate you...
Sincerly;
Shawn Marie

Posted May 25, 2009

Hi Everyone, this is Galynn

I had such an incredible day this Saturday, while volunteering for Village to Village Foundation and sharing Ross's story. Meeting so many people for the first time and who genuinely cared and want to help pay Ross' good deed forward was so uplifting. The event was a great success! Not only were we able to tell Ross' story, but we received generous donations, which will help veterans struggling with PTSD. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and shared their time. Hope to see you again! Keep watch on our website for upcoming events and updates to the journeys of Ross' tokens.

Sincerely,

Galynn A Wilkins
Chairwoman
Villgae to Village Foundation