W. Aaron Cross completed a stellar academic career at Philip Barbour High School when he graduated at the top of his Class of 2002 with a final GPA of 4.33. He spoke for the class of 180 students as its valedictorian, and served as the PBHS Student Council president in 2001-2002 as elected by his peers. Aaron was also immersed in Key Club activities throughout his years at PB and served as the organization’s district Secretary and held the state office of Administrative Assistant to the district governor.
Mr. Cross represented Philip Barbour at Mountaineer Boys State in 2001, attended RESA Teen Institute and participated in the WV Sheriff’s Association Youth Leadership Academy, becoming lead counselor during his senior year. A National Honor Society member, he was active in band and athletic endeavors as well.
Aaron was a four-year member of the Pride of Barbour County, playing trumpet and serving as its Drum Major for two years. In the latter role, he earned several honors, and was selected for the 2000 WVSSAC Academic Achievement Award for Male Band Member.
Athletically, Aaron earned blue chip trophies for his four years of competition in both the cross-country and track programs. He contributed further by volunteering as basketball statistician for four years and as the Colt P.A. announcer in multiple sports all four years as well.
Following high school graduation, he attended the United States Military Academy, graduating with West Point’s Class of 2006. There he earned a B.S. Degree in International Relations, while distinguishing himself in leadership positions culminating in appointment as Regimental Sergeant Major for one of the four Core of Cadets regiments. Aaron was a four-year member of the West Point Glee Club, singing at such events as the 2002 World Trade Center Memorial Ceremony, Super Bowl XXXIX, and the 2005 and 2006 Fiesta Bowls.
Mr. Cross was commissioned as an armor officer in the US Army following graduation. He has served as a tank platoon leader, tank company executive officer, brigade command group operations officer, cavalry troop commander and cavalry squadron operations executive officer. During his career he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2008 to 2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2011-2012.
Aaron earned his M.A. in Strategic Studies with honors from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 2016, adding a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2017. He was recently stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state, serving as Brigade Executive Officer for the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat team. Today, the Barbour County native continues to fill significant leadership roles within the military and beyond, serving his nation with distinction.
Mr. Cross represented Philip Barbour at Mountaineer Boys State in 2001, attended RESA Teen Institute and participated in the WV Sheriff’s Association Youth Leadership Academy, becoming lead counselor during his senior year. A National Honor Society member, he was active in band and athletic endeavors as well.
Aaron was a four-year member of the Pride of Barbour County, playing trumpet and serving as its Drum Major for two years. In the latter role, he earned several honors, and was selected for the 2000 WVSSAC Academic Achievement Award for Male Band Member.
Athletically, Aaron earned blue chip trophies for his four years of competition in both the cross-country and track programs. He contributed further by volunteering as basketball statistician for four years and as the Colt P.A. announcer in multiple sports all four years as well.
Following high school graduation, he attended the United States Military Academy, graduating with West Point’s Class of 2006. There he earned a B.S. Degree in International Relations, while distinguishing himself in leadership positions culminating in appointment as Regimental Sergeant Major for one of the four Core of Cadets regiments. Aaron was a four-year member of the West Point Glee Club, singing at such events as the 2002 World Trade Center Memorial Ceremony, Super Bowl XXXIX, and the 2005 and 2006 Fiesta Bowls.
Mr. Cross was commissioned as an armor officer in the US Army following graduation. He has served as a tank platoon leader, tank company executive officer, brigade command group operations officer, cavalry troop commander and cavalry squadron operations executive officer. During his career he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2008 to 2009 and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2011-2012.
Aaron earned his M.A. in Strategic Studies with honors from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 2016, adding a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2017. He was recently stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state, serving as Brigade Executive Officer for the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat team. Today, the Barbour County native continues to fill significant leadership roles within the military and beyond, serving his nation with distinction.