'He was Specialist Keenan Cooper'

Image courtesy: Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp

While eulogizing Spc. Keenan Cooper on Friday, Pastor Mike Adams made a remarkable observation. Speaking in front of about 700 mourners, including North Dakota's governor, Rev. Adams imparted wisdom to the audience.

"We want to make sure we keep these things in balance. He wasn’t a mythological figure. He was Specialist Keenan Cooper," Adams said. "We’re very proud of him."

By all accounts, Spc. Cooper thought of himself as a regular guy. Religion and patriotism were close to his heart, but being a soldier was his job. Inforum reporter Sherri Keaton, who covered the public memorial service in Wahpeton, noted another revealing quote by the pastor.

"This is not a political point of view," [Adams] said. "He was where he decided to be. Those are things that the family wants us to remember."

As "a man of his word and a man of few words," as an obituary noted, the 19-year-old soldier followed orders and did his duty. Cooper missed his beloved fiancee, April Travis, who was planning their fall wedding during his overseas deployment. He also longed for another round of 3D archery shooting in the wide open terrain of a family farm in Grand Forks. Yet the volunteer warrior kept his concerns private and focused on the 4th Squadron, 73rd Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division's mission in Afghanistan.

According to the Pentagon, the soldier's unit was attacked by terrorists on July 5 in Yakuta. Spc. Cooper was killed by the improvised explosive device, along with Spc. Jerod Osborne, 20, of Royse City, Texas. Shortly after news of the tragedy began to spread, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven issued a statement, which included the below passage.

"On behalf of all North Dakotans, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for Keenan's distinguished service, and pledge never to forget his ultimate sacrifice for our state and our nation."

Even though Cooper was instinctively humble, his legacy of service has prompted fellow North Dakotans to speak out. The Bismarck Tribune editorial board is calling on the press and the public to pay more attention to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It does not matter which side you are on, to stay the course or withdraw — the troops that serve in U.S. uniforms deserve your support. That may sound like a cliche or hackneyed in the long refrain of these and other wars, but it’s an essential truth of our nation."

As a moving letter from father David Cooper reminded fellow mourners, his son cannot be replaced, which adds to the community's grief. Instead of a wedding celebration on October 23, life in Wahpelton will probably be quiet for the fallen servicemember's fiancee, parents, and four younger siblings. Yet sounds of the soldier's gentle voice and memories of his smile, service, and faith will continue to fill their thoughts.

Spc. Keenan Cooper wasn't seeking notoriety on the battlefield, but that doesn't mean his name will be forgotten.

Note: In lieu of flowers, the April Travis Benefit Fund has been established to help with college expenses. Checks made out to April Travis Benefit can be mailed to Bank of the West, 501 Dakota Ave., Wahpeton, ND 58075. Image courtesy: Cooper family/The Wahpeton Daily News.