In October of 1963, I was assigned to A 4 2 in Ft Leonard Wood for basic training under the direction of Sgt. Cooper.

I will never forget the day we were issued our clothing and were told to get in the deuce and one half with our duffel bags.

Because of our slow response, Sgt. Cooper yelled "Get in that fu**ing truck." I think you know what happened. He carried a black swagger stick, wore a shiny black helmet with a 5th Army decal and had a skin color that matched the helmet.

He made men out of a lot of us during the next weeks, which corresponded with the assassination of President Kennedy.

I would love to be able to thank Sgt. Cooper now.