William Cooper - Graduate

Every day that William Cooper goes into work he thinks of his fellow soldiers.

Cooper, who was formerly a fellow in the Wounded Warrior Program, said he owes it to his comrades and friends to do the best job he can do for Congressman Chaka Fattah.

Indeed, his debt of gratitude runs deep. “Without those guys I served with, I would not be here today,” Cooper said. “That is what I am most thankful for, knowing my friends were willing to risk their own lives to keep me alive.”

Cooper joined the Army in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq, where he was injured by an improvised explosive device. The damage was so extensive that he had to have bones in his right arm and leg replaced with titanium. “After 54 surgeries, numerous treatments, and a will to get better, I knew in my heart that everything was going to be okay,” he said.

Cooper, who was discharged in 2007, said he has been humbled by his injuries and he now has a greater appreciation for life. “I try and look on the bright side of everything,” he said. That passion extends to his job, where as a veterans caseworker, he helps veterans who need housing or help navigating the sometimes complicated Veterans Affairs system.

Overall, his goal is to improve the lives of fellow soldiers. “Some veterans come home and they feel lost and don’t have a sense of belonging.” he said, “I want to make sure that they know that someone cares about them.”

When Cooper was accepted into the Wounded Warrior Program, he knew it was an opportunity for him to help others — and to improve his own life.   Shortly after completion of his 2 year fellowship, he was hired into a permanent staff position with Congressman Fattah.

“It has been a life mission for me to help others first and get a smile out of a frown.” Cooper said, “I’m just so very thankful to be here.”