Howard Cook,

CW2 Howard J. Cook, III, age 31, passed away on July 7, 2011 in Killeen, Texas. He was born July 28, 1979 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Howie was a 2001 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, USMC Sergeant - Iraq 2005, Police Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank since 2002 and their 2007 Officer of the Year, firearms instructor, and U.S. Army Medical Evacuation Helicopter Pilot. Howie is survived by his wife, Shelley; parents, Howard J. Cook, Jr. and Charlene, of West Point, VA; a sister, Emily Cook; sister-in-law, Andrea Valentine; brother-in-law, Phillip Valentine; Shelley’s parents, Frank and Kathy Valentine, of Fredericksburg, VA; one aunt, three uncles, and a very loving extended family, as well as his “Brother Rats”. In his short 31 years Howie always took the road less traveled, and in doing so accomplished more than most do in a lifetime. Howie was a decorated Iraq veteran, having served as a Marine during and after his cadetship at VMI. At the time of his death, Howie was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan as a Blackhawk pilot and honor graduate from flight school with the Texas Army National Guard. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched, but none more than his wife, Shelley, his family, extended family, friends, and brother rats. Howie was a husband whose devotion and love for Shelley continued to grow with every moment of his life. He will also be always remembered for his famously irresistible sense of humor. But his loyal, reliable, and generous friendship was truly unmatched. The light of Howie’s spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. This was an unforgettable man. Remember that in the end it’s not how a person died that will be remembered but how he lived. A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, July 24th at the Robinson Olsson Auditorium located at the West Point High School, 1040 Thompson Avenue, West Point, VA, 23181. The family will receive friends after the service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Interment will be at 11 a.m., Monday, July 25th in Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Virginia with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Arrangements with Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, VA 23181.

Howard Cook,

July 28, 1979 - July 7, 2011