Dave Cooley

I don't watch the news much, but yesterday I did hear of the F-22 crash out here near Edwards AFB. They didn't release the pilots name at the time, but when you live out here and know so many people who work at Lockheed, Northrup & Boeing, you just hope and pray that it's no one you know. Well, unfortunately it was someone I know. My friend Mike let me know last night that it was our friend Dave Cooley. I was on a soccer team for a few years with Dave, Mike and some other good friends, and I am so sorry to hear of his death. He is a great guy...a great soccer player, a cyclist, retired Air Force, a test-pilot, and a husband and father. He literally is one of those quiet American heroes. We would have good times out on the field, especially with Steve yelling "Coo-Coo-Cooley!" He was a well respected man, always a good sportsman. I left the team when I moved to Orange County and haven't seen any of my teammates since, unfortunately. But right now I just want to get together with them again, give them all a hug, and remember what a great teammate we had in Dave. I'll miss you buddy...God be with you till we meet again.