Cooney, Elliott W., SGT

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
There were many. My family has always served our country. My Father was a WWII veteran. My Brother served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. But the final push was when Iran took our Embassy Personnel hostage. I knew then it was time to serve.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I joined In 1980 and did my Basic and AIT (OSUT) at Ft. Benning, GA as an 11C. I served with HHC 1/114 INF in New Jersey ANG until 1983 when I joined the Active Army. I served 1 Year At Ft. Ord With 3/32 INF. I then went to Germany and served with the 3/11 ACR In Bad Hersfeld. Our main job was patrolling the "Frontiers Of Freedom" border between East/West Germany in the Fulda Gap.

I returned to Ft. Ord In 86 to serve with the 4/17 INF in a new concept called "Light Infantry". I served there until 1990. I returned to the NJANG, this time with the 78th INF with the 5th Lanes Brigade as an Evaluator In 11C FDC Procedures. Following a two year break in service 1993/1995, I joined the Army Reserve and drove a tractor-trailer with the 465th Transportation Company out of Bristol, PA. In 1999 I again went back on Active Duty, serving with the 1ST INF in Schweinfurt Germany with the 1/26 INF. I was medivac'ed to Walter Reed AMC In 2001 and medically retired In 2004. I served in the Mechanized Infantry, Light Infantry, Armored Divisions, and the Cavalry and Transportation Corp.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
On 11 May 1989, the 4/17 IN deployed to Panama as part of Operation Nimrod Dancer. On the evening of 19 Dec.1989 Operation Nimrod Dancer became Operation Just Cause. Task Force Atlantic. Our mission was to take Colon, Coco Solo, Ft. Espinar, and to secure Madden Dam.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I have several but I will be brief. On 18 April 1986, I met Senator Ted Kennedy at Wildflecken Training Area. On September 17th, 1987 we (the 17th IN) were part of the Security Force when Pope John Paul gave Mass at Laguna Seca. CA. On the 2nd through the 4th Of Nov. 1987, we were part of the Security for the 42nd NATO Nuclear Planning Group in Monterey, CA. And I will never forget Tom Clancy was with us during "Gallant Eagle 88" at 29 Palms where it's believed he got his inspiration for his "Light Fighter" character in "Clear And Present Danger".

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Without question, my CIB is the most meaningful award I received. Having spent the better part of my career in the Infantry. My CIB validated my decision to serve my country.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
When I first went on Active Duty in 1983 I made a lot of mistakes. My neighbor retired 1Sgt Clarence Hunt took me under his wing and advised me almost daily. Reminding me that it was an honor and privilege to serve. Without his counseling, I never would have lasted through my first enlistment.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
In 1984, I received my orders to Germany. My father, a WWII vet, took me aside and advised me that if I saw anyone that looked like me in the Frankfurt area to RUN! "I was not married and as young as you are now" was his explanation. I still smile and can't wait to give my son who is serving the same advice.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I am currently 100% service connected disabled.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Past Adjutant American Legion Post 143, New Cumberland, PA; Life Member VFW Post 2174, Westville, NJ; Member Army Navy Union Garrison 52, National Park, NJ; Member 17th Infantry Association; Member Gloucester County Honor Guard.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
I was 17 when I joined the military. Everything I have become as a man was a direct result of serving in the Army. Respect, discipline, attention to detail. More importantly that there is nothing that I cannot do.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
My advice would be to enjoy the time you serve to the fullest. When you leave the military you will always miss the friends and experiences you will share now. To those in Harms Way, never let the boredom overcome you. It's hard but that's when mistakes are made. Most of all, Welcome Home and thank you for your service.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Army

TWS has helped me to keep in touch with members I served with and through them, I have found others here that no other site can duplicate. Through TWS, I even had my Brother find Shipmates from the Vietnam War that he has not talked to in years.

KC 6/17/19