“It means everything. It is honestly what has made me a man. It gives me a sense of pride and it is something that I have enjoyed for the five years that I was in,” Adam Hopper responds when asked what it means to be a veteran.
Hopper was born and raised in Weatherford, OK and graduated from Weatherford High School in 2008. Hopper enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 18 where he would become a military police officer. Hopper, who obtained the rank of Sergeant, deployed in 2011 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“It’s a beautiful country with a lot of amazing people,” said Hopper. During this deployment he conducted combat patrols throughout the Kunar Province. Additionally, Hopper would help transport detainees to Jalalabad Airbase, and was assigned to a personal security detail for the Provence Commander in Bagram.
Unfortunately Hopper was medically discharged in 2013 due to a significant knee injury he sustained in Afghanistan.
Hopper continues his hard work and selfless service by being on the front lines with the Cordell Police Department. He has been with the Cordell Police Department since Feb. 2021 after previously working for Burns Flat Police Department.
When asked if he has any advice for the younger generation that may be thinking about a career with the United States Military, he replied, “Absolutely do it. One hundred percent. If you go active duty, it’s an opportunity to travel, go to other countries, and meet amazing people. It provides a lot, especially education. It’s a great opportunity for anybody. I definitely recommend it.”
On behalf of The Cordell Beacon, we would like to thank all Veterans for their service.