This month we salute an exceptional military family
Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Charles "Chip" Cope, of Bowling Green, and his sons, 20 year old Private Adam and Private First Class Ben,19, are our "Servicemen of the Month" for September.
Chip is a member of the Army National Guard in Recruiting and Retention, currently assigned as a recruiter in Bowling Green since 2006, after having served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 through 1995.
Eldest son PVT Adam played football at Bowling Green High School, where he also played trombone in the symphonic band After enlisting in the National Guard in March 2006, Adam trained for the infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia and is attached to 1-148th Infantry in Walbridge Ohio.
Son PFC Ben played football and also baseball at Bowling Green High School. Enlisting in March 2006, he completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and furthered his training in communications at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
According to Chip, his goal is "to contribute the knowledge and experience from my previous service to my Country and hope to be a positive example for the young men and women who are considering making the Armed Forces a career choice".
His example has been an obvious influence for his sons, they both plan on making the Armed Forces their career.
Adam and Ben continue a tradition of serving in the United States Armed Forces that has passed down from both their father and mother's family. They appreciate the opportunities of serving and both site the ability to further their education one of the best benefits. Adam suggests that anyone considering the service check out all the branches.
As a recruiter, the Staff Sergeant's main concern that he hears from prospective candidates is about basic training. "Basic training challenges the candidates physically and mentally. The physical training exercises are designed to prepare the candidates to function at their peak performance in extreme situations and conditions. More importantly is the mental training the candidates undergo"
"Preparing the candidates to perform their duties and focus on making decisions while under extreme conditions make these men and women the best fighting force in the world. These traits follow our service men and women into the work force after they serve their Country. With the best training on the latest equipment and technologies in the world, these men and women become highly valued employees and entrepreneurs after they leave the Service and assimilate back to civilian life."
Son Ben acknowledges that the Guard can be very demanding but goes on to say that "it brings structure to your life and pride in knowing that you are serving your Country".
In their spare time, the three men enjoy bluegrass music and play together in their band, "Our family loves to play bluegrass music. We have a Bluegrass band and enjoy entertaining folks wherever we go".
