Iraq veteran trades army for cop’s career
Published 14 March, 2008, 06:55
Michael Cooper is a Russian-born U.S. soldier who went to the frontline to defend his adopted homeland. In 2004, he was deployed to Baghdad for a twelve-month tour in the Army’s National Guard.
Michael was initially committed to the Iraq war but after standing on the front line, he saw no end in sight.
“It's not going to be over because it's pretty much like was happened in Russia when we went to Afghanistan. You can take over the country for days but can you hold it. If the people don't want you there, there's nothing you can do,” he believes.
He says 20% of the soldiers in his unit were killed in Iraq and for him it was like losing family members. He retired in 2006.
“Now I know that war is bad. No matter who started it or whose side you're on. Nobody wins. Even if you win, we still, lost so many people already and I can't justify it,” Michael says.
Michael’s military service began when he was 17 years old, just two years after emigrating from Russia.
His first assignment was in Germany where he was on active duty. Two years later, he spent six months in Kosovo following the 1999 NATO bombing.
He credits the military for making him a man, but says he paid a price for the experience he gained.
Michael Cooper still wakes up every morning, puts on his uniform, grabs his weapon, and heads out to the Brooklyn streets where he continues to serve as a policeman.
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