Cook Is December 2022 Veteran Of The Month
December 7, 2022 at 2:33 a.m.
Cook Is December 2022 Veteran Of The Month
By David [email protected]
William “Bill” Cook was born in Newnan, Ga., and was one of three children, according to Cook’s biography prepared and read by Darryl McDowell, county veteran service office, at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.
His family moved to Warsaw in 1946, where he grew up and attended Warsaw High School, graduating in 1963.
After high school, Cook worked at R.R. Donnelley for a couple of years before being drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1965. He attended basic training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Polk, La., before his deployment to Vietnam with the 2nd of the 16th Infantry Battalion, First Brigade, First Infantry Division (Big Red One) assigned to the Dian Base, Vietnam, McDowell said.
In March 1967, Cook left Vietnam and was assigned to Company B, 4th of the 41st Infantry Battalion, Fort Ord, Calif., for about six months until his discharge.
“And what people don’t understand is when you raise your right hand in the military, you just can’t quit. If they’ve got time, they’re going to send you somewhere and utilize it,” McDowell stated. “Six months and then he was graciously returned back to us in Warsaw.”
Cook served two years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in October 1967 with the rank of specialist (E4). During his service, Cook received the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Marksman Rifleman Badge.
After proudly serving his country, Cook returned to Warsaw to work again for R. R. Donnelley in several positions, retiring finally as a line supervisor in 2011.
Cook married his wife, Doris, in 1971, who enjoyed their 51st wedding anniversary in October of this year. They have two children and three grandchildren. Bill and Doris continue to live in Warsaw, McDowell said.
After Cook was presented with a frame certificate for being the veteran of the month, Cook thanked Rev. Ken Locke for nominating him for the honor.
“The very first thing I say is, thank you for allowing me to be here to receive this great honor. I’m also humbled when I think about all of those who served for career service and the servicemen who were wounded or given their lives for this country, protecting our freedom,” Cook said.
He dedicated the award to all the servicemen who are now serving and who have served.
“I deeply appreciate it,” Cook said. “Once again, I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. Thank you so much.”
William “Bill” Cook was born in Newnan, Ga., and was one of three children, according to Cook’s biography prepared and read by Darryl McDowell, county veteran service office, at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.
His family moved to Warsaw in 1946, where he grew up and attended Warsaw High School, graduating in 1963.
After high school, Cook worked at R.R. Donnelley for a couple of years before being drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1965. He attended basic training at Fort Knox, Ky., and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Polk, La., before his deployment to Vietnam with the 2nd of the 16th Infantry Battalion, First Brigade, First Infantry Division (Big Red One) assigned to the Dian Base, Vietnam, McDowell said.
In March 1967, Cook left Vietnam and was assigned to Company B, 4th of the 41st Infantry Battalion, Fort Ord, Calif., for about six months until his discharge.
“And what people don’t understand is when you raise your right hand in the military, you just can’t quit. If they’ve got time, they’re going to send you somewhere and utilize it,” McDowell stated. “Six months and then he was graciously returned back to us in Warsaw.”
Cook served two years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in October 1967 with the rank of specialist (E4). During his service, Cook received the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Marksman Rifleman Badge.
After proudly serving his country, Cook returned to Warsaw to work again for R. R. Donnelley in several positions, retiring finally as a line supervisor in 2011.
Cook married his wife, Doris, in 1971, who enjoyed their 51st wedding anniversary in October of this year. They have two children and three grandchildren. Bill and Doris continue to live in Warsaw, McDowell said.
After Cook was presented with a frame certificate for being the veteran of the month, Cook thanked Rev. Ken Locke for nominating him for the honor.
“The very first thing I say is, thank you for allowing me to be here to receive this great honor. I’m also humbled when I think about all of those who served for career service and the servicemen who were wounded or given their lives for this country, protecting our freedom,” Cook said.
He dedicated the award to all the servicemen who are now serving and who have served.
“I deeply appreciate it,” Cook said. “Once again, I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. Thank you so much.”
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092