The December Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month is William “Bill” Cook. The Army veteran was recognized at the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom. From left: Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell, Cook, Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley and Kosciusko County Commissioners’ President Cary Groninger. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — William “Bill” Cook is the December Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month.

Cook, of Warsaw, who served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, was recognized during the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell presented Cook with a certificate and read biographical information on him.

One of three children, Cook was born in Newnan, Ga. In 1946, his family moved to Warsaw.

He was a member of the Warsaw High School Class of 1963. Following graduation, he worked at RR Donnelley for a few years.

In October 1965, Cook was drafted into the Army. His basic training was at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Cook deployed to Vietnam with the 2/16 Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). He was assigned to the Dian Base Camp in Vietnam.

Cook left Vietnam in March 1967, being assigned to Company B, 4/41st Infantry Battalion at Fort Ord, California, for around six months. He was honorably discharged in October 1967, having achieved the rank of specialist (E4). While in the Army, he got the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Marksman Rifleman Badge.

Having proudly served his country, Cook came back to Warsaw. He worked again at RR Donnelley, retiring as a line supervisor in 2011. In 1971, he married Doris. They have two children and three grandchildren and celebrated their 51st anniversary in October.

“I want to say thank you to Rev. Ken Locke for choosing me for this honor,” Cook said following the presentation. “Thank you for allowing me to be here to receive this great honor. I’m also humbled when I think about those who served (as a career), those servicemen who were wounded or gave their lives for this country, protecting our freedom.”

“So as I receive this plaque, I would like to dedicate it to all the servicemen who are now serving and who have served,” he continued. “Once again I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. Thank you so much.”