Beaufort’s Michael Cook, 69, joined the United States Marine Corps in Talladega, Ala., in 1974. After Boot Camp in San Diego he trained for handling bulk fuels. He first served at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, from which he deployed aboard USS Dubuque (LPD-8) in support of the Vietnam drawdown. Next were three years at Camp Lejeune, N.C., during which he married his wife of 47 years, Katie.
He next served at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan followed by duty at Montfort Point, Camp Lejeune where he was an instructor/examiner for motor transport. Back for a tour to Okinawa, Japan for a year before five years at MCRD Parris Island, 2½ of which were as a Drill Instructor. Then it was back to Okinawa for a year before duty at MCAS Beaufort attached to a squadron that deployed back to Iwakuni.
Cook retired in 1996 as a Gunnery Sergeant with 22 years of service. He has several service connected disabilities and has had 14 related surgeries. On retirement, he began 18 years of service to Beaufort as a City police officer, at the County Detention Center, for the County Schools as a counselor, and finally on the security force at the Naval Hospital. He’s a member of the Montfort Point Marine Association, the Sons of Beaufort Masonic Lodge and the Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
