Emporium soldier returns, thanks community for support

Eric was surprised when his sister Jen joined him at Fort Hood.

Army Staff Sgt. Eric Cool returned to his hometown of Emporium this week to express his appreciation for the support he received while stationed in Iraq with his sister, Army Specialist Jennifer Cool.

Sgt. Cool attended a brief ceremony at VFW Post 6221, during which he presented post officials an active duty insignia from Taji, Iraq, a pocket flag presented by the National VFW, and other items.

The gifts are on public display at the post home.

Cool said that Cameron County and Emporium VFW had given him so much over the years and he wanted to "give something back."

The sergeant, who is now stationed in Texas, said he expects to remain in the Army for at least 12 more years. He was accompanied by his wife Jeannie, his daughter Jessica, and his father, Rick.

Both Eric and Jennifer were aircraft mechanics assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade's Company 404th Aviation Support Battalion. They were at one point working within the same platoon. Later, Eric was assigned to Quality Control, while Jennifer, who is five years younger, worked in the maintenance section.

Attending this week's presentation were Eric Cool's Father, Rick; daugher, Jessica; and wife, Jeannie . Shown with him below, from left, are VFW officers Don Kerr, Gary Hartman and Joe Jones.

Eric had no idea his sister was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, when she joined him there in the fall of 2005, much less that she was assigned to his unit.

"I found out the day she showed up," he said. "What are the odds of that happening?"

Jennifer has also returned from Iraq and is stationed at Fort Hood.