Today, we honor Army Col. Don Cook for his service in our armed forces. We recently had the pleasure of asking retired Army Col. Cook about his service and hope you enjoy our short question and answer session.
- What was your rank and division? “I enlisted in the Army on 6 Jan 67 as a private in the Infantry and retired on 30 Sept 95 as a Colonel in the Military Police Corps.”
- Where were you stationed? “I was stationed in the following: Benning, GA, Redstone Arsenal, AL, Vietnam, Ft. Gordon, GA, West Point, Graduate school – Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, Riley, KS, Wainwright, AK, Monroe, VA, Germany, Belvoir, VA, and the Pentagon.”
- Did you serve in an active theatre/campaign? If so, please describe your experience? “I was stationed in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. I was a Military Police 1stLT assigned to a River Patrol Boat (PBR) unit. We were responsible for river and harbor security throughout the Vietnam theater of operations.”
- What are your most fond memories from your service? “I have many fond memories including: being a commander at all levels (Platoon, Company, Operations Center, Battalion, and Brigade), being in a position to help people, enjoying the camaraderie of belonging, learning how to organize, plan, and execute missions, learning about people, and working for the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon… what an eye opener.”
- Are there any special stories you’d like to tell about your time in the armed forces? “As the Commander of the Drug Suppression Operations Center (DSOC), Germany was in a position to impact soldier quality of life by planning and execution drug operations. I was also responsible for introducing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) in all (23) Department of Defense Schools (DODS) in Germany & Italy as well as introducing the program at Ft. Belvoir, VA. In addition, during my tour in Vietnam, I was the only MP lieutenant in the Army to serve on the PBR’s.”
We are forever thankful to Col. Cook and his contribution to protecting and defending our freedom and way of life.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.