#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Joseph Edward Cook

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Joseph Cook, who served as a Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle gunner in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

At 19, Joseph Edward Cook enlisted with the United States Army. He completed 14 weeks of basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga.

After completing his training, Cook was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash. From Fort Lewis, he deployed to Iraq, where he served as a Stryker Interim Armored Vehicle gunner with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Cook and Charlie Company began their deployment patrolling and conducting combat missions in high risk areas of Mosul. From Mosul, Cook and his company were sent to Baghdad and assigned as a quick reaction force, remaining on call to provide support throughout the city.

While on a routine patrol in Baghdad, Cook and his Stryker column were struck by an improvised explosive device. The IED detonated directly under the vehicle, launching a large slab of metal through the floor and severely injuring Cook’s leg. He was quickly rushed to the medical Stryker in the rear of his column and received emergency medical attention before being evacuated to a field hospital. After undergoing leg amputation surgery and stabilizing, Cook was sent back to the U.S., where he recovered from his injury.

He received the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal during his service.

After being discharged at the rank of sergeant, Cook went on to start his own business providing valet parking at VA hospitals.

More of his story is at: http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.86604

Thank you for your service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Contributors:

Graphic designer: Alexandra Craig

Editor: Jenna Robles

Fact Checker: Tavia Wager