SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8618

By Senators Thorsness, Moore, Rasmussen, Snyder, Stratton, Nelson, Murray, Cantu and Roach

     WHEREAS, On February 20, 1991, Ardon B. "Brad" Cooper fell a brave hero in the battle to achieve universal peace, justice and freedom; and

     WHEREAS, Brad's life ended, along with the lives of two fellow members of the United States Army First Division Cavalry, when the anti-aircraft vehicle in which the three soldiers were travelling was hit by enemy artillery; and

     WHEREAS, Brad was a native of Seattle, where the memory of his life and sacrifice will live on forever; and

     WHEREAS, Brad will be remembered most for his capacity to enlighten the lives of those around him with his quick smile, his infectious energy, his knack for making others laugh, and a personality that drew people to him like a magnet; and

     WHEREAS, Brad will be especially missed by those who joined him in sporting events over the years, Brad having played on his high school football team, and on champion lacrosse, hockey, and curling teams; and

     WHEREAS, Brad's last letters home reflected his sense of patriotism and duty, his sense of purpose, his gratitude for the opportunities presented to him during his short lifetime, and his sense of humor, having asked in one letter that his sister mail him "hundreds of chocolate chip cookies"; and

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,  That the Washington State Senate hereby honors Ardon B. "Brad" Cooper as an American hero and patriot and expresses gratitude to him and his family on behalf of the people of this state for the supreme sacrifice they have made in defense of liberty; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the family of Brad Cooper, to commanders of the First Cavalry Division, and to the President of the United States, the honorable George Bush.

I, Gordon A. Golob, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1991-8618,

adopted by the Senate February 25, 1991.

GORDON A. GOLOB

Secretary of the Senate