Meet Ron Cooper, a Navy veteran with an impressive 27-year military career that spanned various roles and deployments. Cooper's commitment to serving his country is evident not only in the number of years he dedicated to the Navy but also in the numerous accolades and medals he received for his exceptional service.

During his time in the Navy, Cooper earned a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Navy Commendation medals, 3 Navy Achievement Medals, a combat action ribbon, 8 overseas service ribbons, and several other campaign medals and ribbons. In addition, he was recognized as Instructor of the Year and possessed expert knowledge in demolition and weapons.

Cooper's military family history is deeply rooted, with his father retiring from the US Navy after 24 years of service. Furthermore, his brother served four years in the Navy, showcasing the Cooper family's dedication to the armed forces.

Reflecting on his own military background, Cooper joined the Navy in 1978 after a brief stint in college. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training with class 105, successfully graduating in December 1979. Cooper spent the first decade of his service at SEAL Team ONE in Coronado, CA, completing five overseas deployments and participating in numerous contingency exercises and operations.

Following his tenure at SEAL Team ONE, Ron transitioned to the Naval Special Warfare Center as a BUD/S Instructor for the next four years. He then returned to SEAL Team ONE for another four years, embarking on two more overseas deployments to Southeast Asia and a deployment to Serbia/Bosnia as a Joint Commissioned Observer, enforcing the Dayton Peace Accord.

Continuing his impactful career, Cooper received two-year orders as the senior enlisted advisor at Naval Special Warfare GROUP ONE. His role involved certifying all NSW platoons as combat-ready before deployment. He was subsequently entrusted with standing up a new command within NSW, the Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment, responsible for advanced SEAL platoon training prior to deployment.

Ron's service to the nation extended beyond his retirement from the Navy. He joined the government service as the Executive Director (GS-15) and twice served as the acting Commanding Officer of the Center for SEAL and SWCC. After 15 years of government service, he retired permanently and settled in Georgia.

When asked about his favorite experience and location, Cooper expressed his love for the close-knit community and camaraderie he experienced throughout his time in San Diego, California. Serving within the SEAL and SWCC community was particularly fulfilling, especially when establishing the SEAL and SWCC ratings for the Navy while at the Center for SEAL and SWCC.

Cooper's dedication to his fellow veterans remains unwavering. He actively supports veteran charities and organizations such as the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Chateau Elan Military Support Foundation, NSW Foundation, and NSW Family Foundation. By participating in their events, Ron continues to contribute to the well-being of veterans and their families. He most recently participated in the CE Military Support Foundation golf fundraiser in April.

In his personal life, Ron Cooper shares a beautiful bond with his spouse, Marianita "Ning" Cooper, whom he has been married to for over 40 years. Marianita retired from American Airlines after more than two decades of service. The couple has three children and five grandchildren, with the family recently expanding due to their oldest granddaughter's recent marriage. Cleo, their small Maltese/Shi Tzu mix, adds an extra dose of joy and companionship to their lives.

In 2017, the couple adopted their three youngest grandchildren Brianna (13), Alieah (12), and Chanel (10). Their oldest granddaughter, Gloria, got married to Michael and now lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia. And they have one grandson who still resides in California. The family enjoys spending their time traveling around the southeast and exploring new areas. The three grandchildren have adapted to the area quickly and enjoy attending school at Osborne Middle School and Duncan Creek Elementary. All three grandkids enjoy sports and excel at Karate, hopefully becoming Black Belts soon like their Grandpa. Marianita truly enjoys using the facilities within the neighborhood. She loves staying fit and currently works out five days a week at both the sports club and as a member of the Chateau Elan Spa. Ron shared "We love our home in the Legends neighborhood and have been renovating it slowly to make it the dream home that we have always envisioned. In the past two years, we have made improvements to the kitchen, living room, interior stair railings, front entrance, patio, and lawn. As an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy local golf courses and fishing in area lakes with my Triton Bass Boat."

While on active duty and in Government service, Ron earned his bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Redlands and an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School, as well as a Senior Executive Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Ron told us "Marianita is the true hero of the family and deserves special recognition as do all military spouses. During my numerous lengthy deployments and days away from home (sometimes 45 weeks per year), she single-handedly managed to raise all of our children, managed all the household business, and acted as a shuttle service to and from sporting events, all while working a full-time job. I now strive to spoil her as a token of gratitude for her unwavering support."

Since settling in Legends 3 years ago, the Coopers have found immense happiness and forged meaningful connections within the community. They cherish their friendships and look forward to spending their golden years surrounded by loved ones.

As we reflect on Ron Cooper's incredible military career and the profound impact he has made, it is evident that his dedication to service extends far beyond his years in the Navy. His commitment to his country, his family, and his fellow veterans serves as an inspiration to us all.

Thank you Ronald Cooper for your service!