CORAZON DE VIDA :: WITH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE IN VETERANS DAY Posted on 11 Nov 11:45 , 0 comments
On Veterans Day, Corazon de Vida gives thanks to everyone in the CDV family who has served in the military. Thank you for protecting our freedoms. We give special recognition to a veteran who has opened up his heart, home and time to be a CDV sponsor, Lyndol Cook.
Lyndol Cook is a distinguished veteran. In 1963, Lyndol was the regimental commander of his graduating class at West Point Military Academy. Below is his picture with John F. Kennedy at the White House, when he presented the President with the West Point yearbook. After completing the most difficult military schools (Airborne, Ranger and Jungle warfare schools) Lyndol served eight distinguished years in the U.S. Army, which included a tour in Vietnam as the company commander of the famed 101st Airborne division. Lyndol's military awards include a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, three Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals and the Purple Heart. Many of his classmates never returned from Vietnam and CDV is thankful and grateful that Lyndol returned home so many years ago.
Lyndol Cook and his wife, Diana Cook, became supporters of CDV in 2013 when they attended a couple of events and a trip, and in 2014 they decided to become monthly sponsors. They sponsored Natalia, a young lady who grew up in Casa Sion orphanage and was starting university. Lyndol and Diana not only provided 100% of Natalia's financial support during her five years of university, but they treated her like a daughter, helped set up her apartment in Tijuana, visited her in Tijuana and had her stay with them in San Diego on many weekends. Natalia graduated a couple of years ago with a degree in Psychology. Lyndol and Diana have continued their sponsorship and have had many students stay in their home during their visits to the U.S. Every year, they host students/graduates for the Noche de Gala annual event weekend. Lyndol even took Spanish classes so that he could better communicate with the students!
Our heartfelt thanks to Lyndol and to all of our CDV veterans for your service to our country and for your support of the children of CDV.