“Operation McGyver” successful; Cooper home
November 2, 2010
Lake Saint Louis
On Monday, November 1, shortly before 4:00 p.m., Capt. Timothy Matthew “Matt” Cooper, USMC, arrived to his home in Lake Saint Louis. The occasion was called “Operation McGyver,” in honor of Cooper’s nickname.
It’s been a rough year for Cooper and his family. On November 13, 2009, Cooper was injured in Afghanistan while patrolling for IEDs (improvised explosive devices). He sustained multiple injuries which required his right leg to be amputated; and he underwent many surgeries.
His father, Capt. Tim Cooper, piloted the plane which transported Matt from Virginia to St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, Illinois. A local corporation, which wishes anonymity, donated the use of a corporate jet. Matt’s younger brother, a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, was able to fly back with his brother and their father.
Two fire trucks, provided by the St. Louis Regional Airport, performed a water cannon salute over the top of the airplane as it came down the taxiway in Bethalto. The U.S. Marine Color Guard was there waiting to receive Cooper.
The Patriot Guard of Illinois and Missouri escorted the Marine’s motorcade from Alton to Lake Saint Louis. The community has been all abuzz about the hero’s arrival. Flags lined the streets of his route home on Regatta Bay. An excited community waited in anticipation. Many carried signs of support and gratitude.
Cooper will receive a memorial brick in the walkway at Veterans Memorial Park at the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 in Lake Saint Louis. Veterans Memorial Park is located at 200 Civic Center Drive.
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