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Cpl. Justin Cooper

Posted by Heather Burchfield (05.27.08, 12:32 PM)

It’s hard to lose someone at any age, but it makes things harder when that someone was only 22. Granted, he was a Marine sniper and team leader fighting in Afghanistan. He served two tours in Iraq, and he served this third go-around as a volunteer. His family and friends all knew he would be in harms way, but there was something different about this fellow, who made everyone think he would be back. He had this invincible spirit and was the toughest, mentally and physically, person I had ever met. He was shot above his armor while going to the aid of two other soldiers.

I went to high school with Cpl. Justin Cooper who died in combat May 19, 2008. (We all called him Coop.) To give you a quick idea of his character, he wasn’t a classy guy. He was a country boy who liked to fight and was always the life of the party. He was a bad ass! He was crazy and care free, and the best part about him was if you were ever in a jam he would be there to lend a hand—a loyal person. His funeral was yesterday in my hometown Eupora, Miss. Eupora is a small town with a population of about 2,000, and many of its residents are senior citizens. Naturally, there are a lot of deaths, but this one was different for two reasons. One: Coop was young. Two: He was a Marine. The procession to the gravesite was nothing I had ever experienced before. The South is notorious for stopping on the side of the road during a funeral procession to show respect, but there are usually a couple of vehicles that don’t stop. I can honestly say there was not a car moving. They were resting on the side of the street, highway or gravel road. Families poured out of their homes to watch the line of cars. Children held American flags and men held their hand over their hearts as everyone passed. It was the most touching thing I have ever witnessed. That’s what is beautiful about small towns. When tragedies happen, the family is not the only ones who hurt. The whole town grieves. Coop’s old football number was 83 and is now retired forever and framed in the field house. The school gave Coop’s family the framed home jersey. Coop had 12 fellow Marines, many of them were in his platoon, fly from Camp Lejeune, N.C. to pay their respects. He was awarded the Purple Heart, and three rounds were fired by a group of Marines. In a newspaper article Coop’s father Alan was quoted saying, “He was daddy’s hero; now he’s everyone’s hero.” Keep the Cooper family and those serving in the Middle East in your prayers.

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