Born in 1897, E.J.Cooper volunteered for the army Air Force in August of 1917. He took flight training as a pursuit flyer, recalls flying over New York City at 4000 feet altitude, praying for no engine failure. Gotta be a lot higher than that over NYC today E.J. landed in Brest, France but war ended soon after his arrival. The Germans saw his outfit coming and quit! Was discharged in June 1919 with over 300 hours flying time. Cooper returned to Fayette, Iowa home of his bride. E.J. and others organize the American Legion post there then they moved to New Mexico where Mrs. Cooper was a teacher they returned to Fayette and then to Guttenberg on the Mississippi River where they loved the beautiful countryside. Then to Monona, Iowa actively attending Legion Posts at all the stops. Finally the Coopers discovered Robbinsdale, Minnesota. E.J. was so impressed with the caliber of men at Post 251 that he joined in 1930. Been a continuing member ever since and a very active member in all post activities. E.J. recalls that post meetings were held in the old City Hall, in the library and finally in the new Robbinsdale Junior High building. Recalls some members having such expanded girths that there was grumbling about the size of the school desks. He took care of that. 5 of the 7 school board members were active members of Post 251 at the time. E.J. has been the commander of Post 251 was appointed Department 3rd Vice Commander and then elected to that office. He recalls Bob Gladwin’s hard work in getting the new enlarged addition to the post facilities. Working with Art Sessing in the post scout program. He donated the property in Wisconsin that post 251 Boy Scout camp no stands on in memory of his son Lieutenant J.W .Cooper. E.J. worked on the housing and CMC committees. He well remembers continuing problems with the darn ice machines, the relief of the new elevator brought too many and the time spent in getting new chairs so that the ladies would not tear their evening dresses. His community activities are too numerous to mention here. Teacher principle superintendent of schools district 281. Ten years on the library board without pay after he left they voted the salary up $35 a year.
From the Westphal American Legion Post 251
Historian’s Column, SNAFU Newletter-1981
