[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF COLONEL CHARLES EDWARD COOKE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a respected 
public servant and outstanding citizen, Colonel Charles Edward Cooke. 
Sadly, Colonel Cooke passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2015. Funeral 
services were held on Monday, August 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at 
Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia.
  Colonel Cooke devoted nearly three decades of his life to protecting 
his country in the United States Marine Corps, an unwavering 
responsibility for which we are all greatly indebted. In his 31 years 
of duty, he was stationed in nine states and eleven countries. Though 
his responsibilities carried him across the globe, Colonel Cooke always 
enjoyed returning to his birthplace of Plains, Georgia and hometown of 
Americus, Georgia.
  Throughout his career, Colonel Cooke impacted the lives of thousands 
of young service men and women who served under him. For his 
outstanding leadership he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service 
Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy/Marine Corps 
Achievement Medal. Beyond these achievements and the respect held for 
him by Marines everywhere, he was an honorable human being who loved 
deeply and, in return, was deeply loved.
  Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 2004, Colonel Cooke 
worked for Northrup Grumman as an Information Assurance Specialist. His 
co-workers and fellow servicemen cherished the smile and booming laugh 
of a man with seasoned wisdom and a passion for reveling in the 
beauties of life. After 7 years, he retired to full-time community 
service with organizations such as the Semper Fi Community Task Force 
and Meals on Wheels.
  Colonel Cooke was a resolute steward of Christ's message. His faith 
and spirituality always reminded those around him of the power of love 
and fellowship through Christ and his Church. He earned a Certificate 
of Biblical Studies from the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 
Institute of Biblical Studies and served as deacon of First Mount Zion 
Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia for four years.
  Colonel Cooke is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wilma; daughter, 
Mary; siblings Oscar, Josie, Lula May, Carrie, and Barbara; six 
grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 
people of the Second Congressional District salute Colonel Charles 
Cooke for his dedicated service to our nation and to his community. I 
ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in 
extending our deepest sympathies to Colonel Cooke's family, friends and 
loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be 
consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the 
days, weeks and months ahead.

                          ____________________