Congressman Raul Ruiz honors World War II veteran
A World War II veteran was recognized Sunday morning for his service to the nation.
At 92 years old, Richard Coover is proud to have served his country.
“I love our country. We all love our country and we’re glad we did what we did,” Coover said.
The WWII survivor remembers his time overseas as a Marine.
“We were right at the bottom of Mount Suribachi and there was an ammunition dump that exploded. All night long, that damn flak from the explosives,” Coover said.
He was even there the day the U.S. flag was raised at Iwo Jima.
“Well I’m glad we won it, that’s all. I’m glad we won the war. I’m glad we won that island, because they didn’t like us. We were the enemy, first class enemy,” Coover said.
On Sunday Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz thanked Coover for his service by presenting him with a flag that flew over the Capitol.
“Everyday veterans don’t have the pomp and circumstance that you see during the holiday parades. They live struggling day in and out, in every day living rooms. And the way we honor those who have passed is by helping those who are living right now,” Ruiz said.
Service in the Marines runs deep in the Coover family.
“It’s a family tradition. My uncle was a Marine. I was a Marine. My dad was a Marine. The Marine Corps is the best fighting force on the face of this planet,” said Coover’s son Daniel Coover.
He said he reached out to the congressman’s office for medical help for his dad who was diagnosed with colon cancer.
“The congressman’s office, anytime you need help, you get a return phone call within 24 hours. If there’s an issue with health care benefits, with health, with funerals, with anything, the congressman’s office is there to help. And that’s what they did for my family,” Daniel Coover said.
Richard Coover said he can’t thank the congressman enough for making sure he’s taken care of and honored.
“I’m overwhelmed. There’s a lot of guys like me all over the place. Some of them are gone now, because of their age and what not,” Coover said.
Knowing his dad has an ally means the world to Daniel.
