Honoring Heroism: John Cooper, Jr. Inducted into New York State Veterans Hall of Fame

On May 28, 2025, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt honored John Cooper, Jr. by inducting him into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. A former U.S. Army Sniper, Cooper’s career spanned six years of dedicated service, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he led as a Sniper Section Leader. His service with the 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, Reconnaissance Commandos, and the 10th Mountain Division, 1st Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment earned him the respect of his peers and numerous accolades. Cooper was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Award, all of which reflect his bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers.

After leaving the Army in 2021, Cooper shifted his focus to helping veterans. He became the Executive Director and CEO of the Niagara Gospel Mission, a nonprofit organization in Niagara Falls, New York, that addresses the physical and spiritual needs of the community. The Mission offers vital services such as a soup kitchen, free clothing, a code blue shelter, and transitional housing. Cooper’s compassion for veterans facing homelessness and addiction led him to raise over $16,000 through his “Rucking for Rescue” initiative. To bring awareness to the issues facing homeless veterans, he marched more than 200 miles with an Army pack, demonstrating his commitment to the cause.

Alongside his work with the Niagara Gospel Mission, Cooper is also an ordained Baptist Pastor and a passionate advocate for veterans’ issues. He created The Godly Grunts podcast and website to give a voice to combat soldiers, helping them navigate the challenges they face both on the battlefield and in their spiritual lives. Cooper’s goal is to strengthen the faith of veterans and foster connections within this community of shared experience.

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Cooper continues to live there with his wife and four children. His life’s work has made a significant impact, and his induction into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame serves as a well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary service, both in uniform and in his community.

Senator Ortt’s tribute to Cooper is part of a broader effort to honor those who have dedicated their lives to service and leadership. In addition to Cooper, the following veterans have been recognized for their exceptional contributions in previous years:

• 2024: Henry Ross
• 2023: Herbert C. Loesch
• 2022: Bruce R. Sutherland
• 2021: Christopher Czarnecki
• 2020: Robert A. Fire
• 2019: Anthony Santoro
• 2018: Allen Wanderlich
• 2017: Silviu Dan, Sr.
• 2016: Ronal Bassham
• 2015: Timothy Giles Serwinowski

Each of these veterans has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to both their military service and their communities. Cooper’s induction into the Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of his military service but also of his ongoing efforts to improve the lives of veterans and others in need. His story is a powerful reminder that heroism doesn’t end with military service but continues in the ways one chooses to serve their community and their country.