Conservative Libertarian Outpost

Obituary: Jeff Cooper / Firearms expert, writer; founded training center

Died Sept. 25, 2006

Monday, October 02, 2006

By Dennis McLellan, Los Angeles Times
Jeff Cooper, a firearms expert who formulated the widely used “modern technique of the pistol” and founded a highly regarded firearms training center in Arizona, has died. He was 86.

Mr. Cooper, an author and longtime Guns & Ammo magazine columnist who had experienced health problems in recent years, died last Monday at his home near the training center on Gunsite Ranch, his family said.

A big-game hunter and retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, Mr. Cooper founded what originally was called the American Pistol Institute on Gunsite Ranch in the Sonora Desert just west of Paulden, Ariz., in 1976.

The training center expanded from teaching pistol techniques to covering military carbines, shotguns, submachine guns, hunting rifles and various other small arms. Now called Gunsite Academy, it boasts an estimated 40,000 graduates, including law enforcement officers, military personnel from around the world and civilians.

Mr. Cooper, who wrote several books on firearms and was one of the original writers for Guns & Ammo, sold the training center in 1992 but continued to live on the property.

Mr. Cooper, said Owen Mills, owner of Gunsite Academy, “codified the use and deployment of small arms for personal defense.”

Mr. Cooper, who served as the first president of the International Practical Shooting Confederation, also served on the National Rifle Association board of directors.

In 1995, he received the Outstanding American Handgunner Award.

Source: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06275/726705-122.stm

I count among my fortunes in life meeting this man, and benefiting from his wisdom. Simply put, his training, and concepts have saved the lives of many people. Those same concepts about leading an honorable life have been a beacon of inspiration to many young people. He now guards the gates of heaven. Well done Marine.

Capt. John W. Maloney USMC

Capt. John W. Maloney USMC, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, Iraq CAMP PENDLETON —- Minutes after a Bronze Star Medal with Valor was pinned on the shirt of the young son of a Marine captain and company commander killed last year in Ramadi, Iraq, 1st Sgt. Michael Brookman stooped and delivered a message to the boy.

“Your father is a hero,” Brookman told 6-year-old Nathaniel Maloney, son of Capt. John W. Maloney. “Don’t ever forget it.”

Brookman’s message was delivered during an award ceremony Friday afternoon at the base’s Camp San Mateo, the home of Marines from the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

The fallen Marine died in Ramadi on June 16, 2005. He was leading a patrol when his truck was blown up by a roadside bomb.

For Brookman and members of his unit known as the 1/5s Charlie Company, Maloney’s death hit hard because of the respect he had earned through what several said were his caring ways and leadership.

“Marines know that people like him are special,” Brookman said after the outdoor ceremony at San Mateo Memorial Park. “We respected Capt. Maloney and losing him was a big loss for the entire company.”

Maloney, 36, had been featured last spring in a Marine Corps-written story that told of how he and his troops had taken extra steps to keep a Ramadi hospital stocked with medications and supplies.

In a quote from that story, the native of Chicopee, Mass., said the hospital effort “shows the Iraqi people that the Marines mean well.”

One month later, Maloney died.

Lt. Col. Eric Smith said Friday’s event was intended as a celebration of Maloney’s life and his heroism in leading numerous patrols and directing his Marines during several firefights in Ramadi. Earlier memorials took place in Iraq, at Camp Pendleton and at Arlington National Cemetery.

“This is an award which he earned,” Smith said. “John Maloney did valorous things in Ramadi and this is an opportunity to remember those acts. Ramadi is a tough place and it’s even tougher to be a platoon commander out there.”

In a citation accompanying the Bronze Star, Maloney was recognized for “heroic achievement as the commanding officer of Charlie Company.”

He had led the company while in Iraq from March until his death. On March 18, he had a close call when another roadside bomb was detonated while on patrol.

About a dozen family members attended Friday’s ceremony at the memorial park, which is surrounded by markers of legendary Marine battles around the world. The most recent addition includes an arrow pointing east and reads “Baghdad 2003, 7701 miles.”

Maloney’s widow, Michelle, did not speak to reporters at the ceremony. But some of the dozen other family members did, including his brother-in-law, Mike Keil of Simi Valley.

“I don’t know if there will ever be closure,” he said. “But it’s an honor for his son to know that his dad did not die in vain.”

One of the Marines he had led, Lance Cpl. Brandon Phillips, said Maloney stood out as a commander.

“He was an officer who really looked out for all the young guys like me,” said Phillips, who returned to Camp Pendleton in October. “He helped us out, and in Ramadi, he always showed how much he cared about us.”

Brookman, who called Maloney his best friend, said he will carry his memory with him for the rest of his life.

“Because of what he did there, I was able to bring 150 Marines home.”

Maloney is survived by his wife and son, as well as a young daughter, McKenna.

As the ceremony was taking place, about 250 members of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment were preparing to say goodbye to their loved ones as they headed for the Anbar province of Iraq for a seven-month deployment.

Source: http://www.850koa.com/pages/shows_gunny-heroes.html

This story was especially difficult for me. Same place, different award, and more than forty years ago. I feel for that young man in a way that I simply cannot describe.

PO2 Micheal Monsoor US Navy, SEAL Team 3, Iraq

Gunny’s Note: It has been my distinct privilege to serve with many SEALs. I never met one who didn’t have big brass cojones. Petty Officer Monsoor now cavorts with his brother SEALs and one Minnie the Mermaid, down at the bottom of the sea. “Great love hath no man . . . “

Coronado, CA (AHN) – Navy Seals are known for their rigorous training, elite skills, and dangerous duties.

Seals at the Coronado military installation report that one soldier, Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor, used his training, courage, and selflessness, to save the lives of his comrades by throwing himself atop a live grenade tossed by an Iraqi insurgent, which took his life.

While posted along a rooftop in Iraq, Monsoor and an undisclosed number of fellow Seals, positioned themselves for sniper duty when a live grenade landed in their position. The explosive first his Monsoor in the chest and then rolled to the floor. The Seal then quickly lunged atop of the grenade softening the explosion for his comrades and ending his life.

In an interview with the pess, four Navy Seals discussed the heroic actions of Monsoor but withheld their names because of the secrecy of there work

“He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it,” said one of the soldiers whose life was saved. He did not, however, walk away unscathed. He took shrapnel in both legs.

“He undoubtedly saved mine and the other Seals’ lives, and we owe him.”

Monsoor, who was killed in Ramadi, a city west of Baghdad, is the second Seal to die in Iraq.

source: http://www.850koa.com/pages/shows_gunny-heroes.html