Marine comes home from Afghanistan

One of our Marines, Gunnery Sgt. Tim Cooper, 37, is home from Afghanistan. After seven months, six of them spent in Afghanistan, he was deployed from Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., "Coop" is back with us for a little while but not for long as he will be leaving in December for Salt Lake City where he will be a training officer joining an active duty team to train reservists for military action.

"Coop" received his promotion to gunnery sergeant July 1 while on duty at his observation post in Afghanistan. Injured May 17 as he was being transported in a CH-47 helicopter while on duty, a round went through the helicopter first; tumbling, it hit Cooper in the back sideways, breaking a rib and his shoulder blade. After the injury he had to do recuperating duty, riding a desk for 30 days at Bagram Air Base.

"The doc cut (the bullet) out and now I have it with some of the copper jacket he dug out in surgery," Coop said.

Returning to duty June 21, he remained with his unit until Sept. 8 when he returned stateside. Arriving in Reno Sept. 12, he spent two days of R&R at the Atlantis Casino before returning to the south county.

While relaxing during morning coffee, holding his cat "Hippy," he was getting things in order so he could leave for Fallon to visit a couple days with his father Roland Cooper who is retired Navy.

"Don't tell anyone this is a cat," Coop said, referring to "Hippy" snuggling on his lap. "Marines aren't suppose to own cats. He is really a dog in disguise."

As for future plans, Coop has two more years to serve until retirement. After that?

"I plan to buy a bigger, faster, boat and fish-fish-fish!"

So great to have you home with all of us for a couple of days. "Coop," you were missed.

In other TRE news:

n On Sept. 20, the Sagehens had their yearly installation of officers along with a potluck luncheon, and plans for the annual Fall Boutique which will take place at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park building at the end of Carter Way. Outgoing president Mickie Joye installed Janice Roberts as the new president for the 2006-07 year. A list of the new officers and a photo to appear in the next Sweetwater Notes.

n Topaz Joe's Grill and Bar will provide live entertainment 9-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 with the Mark Castro Band who have recently appeared at Topaz Lodge and Casino Friday and Saturday nights. The band will perform classic rock songs from Chuck Berry, Santana, Jeff Beck, Hendrix and The Beatles, as well as songs that are not often performed by cover trios. For more information, 266-3208.

n Vendor spaces are still available for the Sagehens' Fall Boutique. This popular event will take place at the TRE Community Park building at the end of Carter Way, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 5. There will be fresh baked goods, arts and crafts, raffle prizes, food and snacks available for purchase and the selection of a special lady as queen for a day. This event is a major fundraiser for the Sagehens with the money going to benefit community projects and scholarship funding. For information contact Mickie Joye at 266-1025.

Until next week, just keep on keepin' on.

n Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com