Joe Cook

What is not to love about Joe? That is the phrase everyone says after meeting my cousin Joe Cook. His character embodies faith, love, strength, service to others and resilience. He is one of those people who will make your life better by knowing him. I was blessed to have grown up with him as we lived a few blocks from one another and only two months apart in age. His quiet and sweet demeanor always attracted great friendships and he dedicated himself to excel in school and sports. After high school he joined the Army where his loyalty to our country shined. While serving combat during Operation Enduring Freedom he served among the finest while courageously receiving the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Bronze Star Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal just to name a few. After his release from active duty he married the love of his life, Tara. A few years into their marriage and two babies later Tara was diagnosed with breast cancer. His love for his family and faith in God grew on another level during this time. Joe is the rock of their family especially while Tara faced some of the most trying times of her life. I am grateful to say she is now 5 years in remission!!! Our dad’s were not only brothers but best friends. Five years ago they went to be with the Lord just two months apart. My friendship and bond with Joe grew during our loss. He was there for me when it was my dad’s time to go to heaven and he was there to help me after he passed. We now celebrate their lives by doing a “Dad Trip” every year for them. We went fishing in Alaska and spread their ashes together in their favor place they used to visit, we played cowboys in Montana and Wyoming like their favorite John Wayne movies and this year we will be rocking out at an AC/DC concert! Oh the memories we have made are precious! Joe followed in the footsteps of our dad’s and works construction and concrete finishing. He is the leader everyone can count on to be there early and stay late all while never missing his kids football practice or dance lessons. Working on the weekends to help friends with their projects can fill up any spare time he may have and he is always happy to do so with a smile. He has a great relationship with his company and they treat him like family. My husband Ross considers Joe his best friend for may reasons. Together they enjoy bow hunting and trips to the deer lease. Joe is in his element in nature and all the beauty of South Texas. He loves helping with the chores just as much as getting a deer. Hard work, honor and dedication go hand and hand here and they always come back refreshed even if empty handed! Joe choses to see the good in every situation and his faith guides him to be the best father, husband, brother, friend, employee and cousin. His selflessness and giving heart is why I wanted to nominate him. He is humble and no matter what post combat struggles he continues to face he always handles life with grace and compassion. Joe goes above and beyond in everything he does and he loves just as big. He means the world to me and I am honored to be able to share a little about this incredible individual who loves God and loves our country. Thank you for honoring ALL of our heroes and thank you for the opportunity to honor mine!