Colonel John Dean "Jeff" Cooper
May 10, 1920 - September 25, 2006
MEMORIAL
May 10 2007, N.R.A. Whittington Center, Raton N.M.
A great man, a great American of our time has passed. A Marine, an accomplished author, and the Master Instructor, he taught us more than the rifle and the pistol. He taught us how to conduct ourselves as free citizens of the Republic. He taught us that the pursuit of excellence is a virtue. He reminded us that honor, courage, and sense of duty are the traits of a man and that fear and weakness must give place to anger and resolve. He demonstrated that careful assessment of the facts, identification of the goal, followed by absolute determination were essential to the successful completion of any worthy endeavor.
I was with him the week before his death, and the Guru taught me once again. Though his pain was excruciating, his conversation was delightful, and through his example he demonstrated that a cheerful countenance is possible even under the most dire circumstance.
Our battle is harder for a mighty one has fallen.
My friend, withhold not thy tears for it is no sin for
good men to cry when a great man has died.
Carry on men. CARRY ON I SAY!
We must not disappoint the Colonel!
Tom Russell
Our rifle class is intended to provide the student with the skills necessary to make first round hits on targets at unknown ranges from field positions against the clock. 