Honoring Axis Wake Research Hero Chad Cooley

Chad Cooley is new to water sports and boating, but he is no stranger to heroics. He probably wouldn't classify himself as a hero, but that is exactly who he is to Axis Wake Research. Chad has served in Iraq/Afghanistan and is currently stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. He dedicates his talents as a C-130 Flight Engineer Instructor toward grooming students/crews who protect our country with this powerfully versatile aircraft. The C-130 can be used for tasks ranging from troop and medical evacuations to aerial firefighting and without properly trained crews these planes wouldn't get off the ground.

Chad entered the military with dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, but there came a time when he realized that true fulfillment for him and the best service he could offer his country was as a flight engineer instructor. And according to Chad he wouldn't change that decision for the world. He told us excitedly, "I love my job!"

While Chad¹s career is extremely fulfilling for him and we classify him as an Axis Hero, he, like all of us, needs fun time. We all need time with family and friends to forget about work and focus on recreation. Chad is getting his much-deserved share of fun in an all back Tricked-out 2009 Axis A22 wakeboard boat he purchased from our friends at Stuckey and Grimes Xtreme Marine in Cabot, AR.

Chad is new to water sports and boating so we really wanted to know what he likes most about being on the water. When we asked Chad to name his favorite water sport so far, he did not hesitate. "Wakeboarding!" Chad continued, "I used to be a skateboarder when I was younger... I'm learning fast!"

Chad and his son Erik agree, "The lake is a great place to be when you live in Arkansas!" They have been spending a ton of time there this summer learning to wakeboard, hanging out with friends and getting the kind of rest and relaxation all heroes deserve.

One of the last things Chad described was his proudest military moment. His statement was simple, but the image it creates should make us all proud. "My proudest moment was all the people cheering for us at the airport when we arrived home from Iraq." We at Axis Wake Research, wish you that kind of pride and honor everyday, Chad. Thank you for your service!

Tags: Axis Wake Research | A22 | Chad Cooley | Arkansas | Little Rock AFB | Air Force | Flight Engineer Instructor | C-130 | wakeboarding | wakebaord boat | Axis Hero | military | Iraq | Afganistan | Stuckey Grimes Xtreme Marine