Christmas Wish Volunteer & Brave Solider is Hero of the Month

The Christmas Wish Office has looked a bit differently without our longtime volunteer, Jeff Cooper. He was deployed to the Middle East and is our WBKR Hero of the Month.

More than 150 members of the Kentucky National Guard's 206th Engineer Battalion were deployed to the Middle East over the summer. Meet this brave solider, and longtime Christmas Wish Volunteer, who is one of those soldiers.

The Kentucky National Guard's 206th Engineer Battalion were sent on a year-long deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They're missing their family members, friends and community. They're missing home. And, they'll be missing birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Jeff Cooper is missing all of the above and Christmas Wish. A mission that he has a deep passion for.

Jeff also met his soulmate during the Christmas Wish season last year. Nan is such a treasure, and here's what she had to say after the engagement took place, "I am officially engaged to the most precious man. He is the most kind, loving, brave, smart, funny, selfless, giving person to all who know him." Here at the Christmas Wish office, we couldn't agree more.

What can I say about Jeff? One of the most impressive attributes is his caring, work ethic. He can literally come off of an Owensboro Grain night shift, and show up when the doors of Christmas Wish open in the morning. He would look dog tired, and wouldn't stop. He just didn't want to miss a moment of helping those in need.

When he learned of his deployment, children and families in need were on his mind. He came and saw me the week before he left, worried about bikes and the babies. He always worked with Academy Sports to get all of the bikes we would need. It was important to be sure that children would have a bike under the tree on Christmas morning. That's just Jeff. He's amazing, incredible and someone special. Everyone should have a Jeff in their life.

Although we miss him terribly this season, we are grateful for his service and sacrifice for our country. Jeff is truly one of the best, and worthy of being the WBKR Hero of the Month, sponsored by Blue Star Restoration.

We miss you, love you, and can't wait until you return home, safe and sound.

Early in the day, we presented the award to his beautiful family.

Here is the radio interview presentation.