VAlentines for Veterans performers visit VA

Cloyd Cook celebrated a special birthday Friday. The World War II veteran turned 97, with a celebration that included artists Rodney Atkins and Tiera.

The VAlentines for Veterans concert performers made a stop during the morning at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center ahead of the evening event at the Black River Coliseum.

Robert Wake (left) and performer Rodney Atkins greet WWII veteran Cloyd Cook on Friday, which was Cook’s 97th birthday. DAR/Donna Farley

Both Atkins and Tiera thanked Cook and the other veterans for their service.

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it wasn’t for people like you. I appreciate you,” said Tiera.

Cook served for 209 days under Gen. George Patton as a member of the Third Army. He saw eight countries throughout Europe.

Cook was drafted at the age of 22, just after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He had tried to enlist a month before the attack, but was originally turned away by the Army, he said.

Born in Stoddard County, Cook moved to Butler County as a teenager. He raised eight children on a small farm outside of Poplar Bluff with his wife. Cook has 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

“I got back from the war and I was 25 years old. There wasn’t any work here in Poplar Bluff, so I went to St. Louis to live with my sister. I was there a month and I met a girl. About a year later I married her. I had her for 65 years,” Cook told Tiera.

Performer Tiera speaks Friday with Army veteran and musician James Halcomb at John J. Pershing VAMC. Halcomb also met Shenandoah in 2018 and played the banjo with band members. DAR/Donna Farley

The singer and Alabama native also spoke with Army veteran James Halcomb, bonding over the banjo. Halcomb played the instrument last year with band members from Shenandoah.

Among the veterans to meet Atkins and get an autograph was Richard Tennill, 59, who served in the Army.

Army Veteran Richard Tennill (right) collects signatures on a cowboy hat Friday morning from band members traveling with performer Rodney Atkins. The hat, which belonged to his late brother-in-law, has been signed by eight past VAlentines for Veterans performers, and others. DAR/Donna Farley

Tennill brought a cowboy hat that his late brother-in-law used to collect signatures of bull riders and performers. He has collected signatures from eight previous performers since the item was passed down to him, Tennill said.

Army veteran Richard Tennill holds a hat that was signed Friday morning by Rodney Atkins and others. The hat, which belonged to his late brother-in-law, has been signed by eight past VAlentines for Veterans performers, and others. DAR/Donna Farley

Before leaving for the concert venue, Atkins spoke with VA personnel and thanked them for inviting him.

Friday night’s concert marks the ninth annual event for John J. Pershing VAMC.

Through a partnership with the Wake Foundation, the concert is provided free to veterans and their families.

More than 4,000 people attend the event annually.

————

Editor’s note: Due to an early press deadline for potential bad weather, photos and video from the concert will be available at www.darnews.com today.

Robert Wake of the Wake Foundation (left) speaks Friday morning with performers Tiera and Rodney Atkins during a visit to John J. Pershing VAMC before the VAlentines for Veterans concert. DAR/Donna Farley