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I am anchor
Meet Your Neighbor: Robert (Bob) Cooper
Posted
Name: Robert (Bob) Cooper
Affiliation/Title: Board member, Soldier’s Best Friend, 14505 N. 75th Ave., Peoria (soldiersbestfriend.org)
Town/Neighborhood: Peoria until two years ago, now Sun City West
What I’m excited about & why: I am excited about seeing the younger generation getting engaged in environmental and equality issues. The future belongs to them.
What I like most about living here: There are so many activities to get involved with. I see so many retired people donating their time, skills and money to causes that interest them. I personally enjoy golf, hiking, and concerts like those given by the West Valley Symphony.
Changes I’d like to see in this area: Traffic improvements
When & why I moved here: My wife grew up in the western U.S. We met in N.C. and she expressed a desire to return to the West to be near her parents and family.
Where I lived before & why I left: I grew up on Long Island. Received a Bronze Star as an Infantry Sergeant in Vietnam. Worked for a few Fortune 500 companies before owning my own businesses here in Arizona.
My family: My family was lower middle class. I was the first in my family to attend college.
What I like most about what I do: I am fortunate to be able to work with people who care deeply about our veterans with PTSD and or TBI while also helping shelter dogs
If I had picked a different occupation, it might have been: An attorney
My interests and hobbies: Soldiers Best Friend, traveling, golf, movies, reading, plays, symphony, spending time with friends and family and learning to play contract bridge
The worst and/or best time in my life: Losing loved ones is always tough, finding my wife of 27 years
My best/worst habits: I use to smoke, 50 lbs ago. That was a really bad habit. I quit several times and finally succeeded.
The trait(s) I admire in others: I attended an event with Yo-Yo Ma. He was on stage with only a chair and his cello. He performed for about 90 minutes solely from memory. I am impressed by the time and devotion that some people devote to their craft.
People who inspired me (and how): In this environment, it’s really hard not to be inspired by our healthcare workers who are putting themselves out there for our all our benefit.
My guiding philosophy: Follow the Golden Rule, maintain your integrity, keep learning and keep moving
My advice to today’s youth: Get your education, learn to interact with others, make a plan, it’s okay to fail, keep trying, register to vote, educate yourself about the candidates and issues and vote!
