Admired, loved, respected, confident, and trustworthy—these are just a few words used by family, friends, and fellow soldiers to describe Staff Sgt. Justin Copley, College of the Ozarks graduate.
Copley, a resident of Plato, Missouri, graduated from C of O in 2006 with a degree in Business Education. Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, he entered the force as a military policeman and while stationed in Iraq has strongly influenced the troops, the Iraqi police, and the people of the Ishaki district.
Though Copley received no pressure to enter the military, he was doubly inspired by his father and brothers’ involvement. His father, 1st Sergeant Michael Copley, had instilled the Seven Army Values in his sons throughout their childhood, and the seven boys were eager to live up to their father’s expectations. Sgt. Michael Copley’s death on July 19, 2004 left many broken, yet proud hearts, and he was honored in convocation at C of O. With all seven of his sons participating in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps Reserves, the patriotism of the entire Copley family is all the more apparent.
Sgt. Justin Copley’s outstanding soldier performance in Iraq has earned him fame in the media as well. The Missouri National Guard Publication Bear Facts published an article on Copley in its April 2009 issue (http://www.moguard.com/PublicAffairs/DisplayBearFacts.aspx?BFID=34). The article highlights his accomplishments, hardships, and rewarding experiences while in Iraq.
Copley, a resident of Plato, Missouri, graduated from C of O in 2006 with a degree in Business Education. Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, he entered the force as a military policeman and while stationed in Iraq has strongly influenced the troops, the Iraqi police, and the people of the Ishaki district.
Though Copley received no pressure to enter the military, he was doubly inspired by his father and brothers’ involvement. His father, 1st Sergeant Michael Copley, had instilled the Seven Army Values in his sons throughout their childhood, and the seven boys were eager to live up to their father’s expectations. Sgt. Michael Copley’s death on July 19, 2004 left many broken, yet proud hearts, and he was honored in convocation at C of O. With all seven of his sons participating in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps Reserves, the patriotism of the entire Copley family is all the more apparent.
Sgt. Justin Copley’s outstanding soldier performance in Iraq has earned him fame in the media as well. The Missouri National Guard Publication Bear Facts published an article on Copley in its April 2009 issue (http://www.moguard.com/PublicAffairs/DisplayBearFacts.aspx?BFID=34). The article highlights his accomplishments, hardships, and rewarding experiences while in Iraq.
The phrase “When Justin?” included in the title of the article is not uncommonly heard to Copley. In Arabic “when” actually means “where is.” The genuine love and respect the Iraqi has for their friend leaves them asking “When Justin?” more often than not.
“The things everybody has done are more noteworthy than anything I’ve accomplished,” said Copley. “They’ve done so many positive things for these people and this country.”
Being admired, loved, respected, confident, and trustworthy has gotten Justin through the most difficult times while serving, and he continues to press on with the same values his father taught him years ago. Though one of many fulfilling their call to duty, he maintains a heroic status among his family, friends, fellow soldiers, C of O community, and country.
“The things everybody has done are more noteworthy than anything I’ve accomplished,” said Copley. “They’ve done so many positive things for these people and this country.”
Being admired, loved, respected, confident, and trustworthy has gotten Justin through the most difficult times while serving, and he continues to press on with the same values his father taught him years ago. Though one of many fulfilling their call to duty, he maintains a heroic status among his family, friends, fellow soldiers, C of O community, and country.
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