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America, Americans To Be Celebrated On Fourth

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: July 2, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- A day set aside to honor injured Iraq soldier Josh Cooley will highlight the Fourth of July holiday weekend in West Pasco.

Pasco County commissioners declared Saturday, July 5, as Josh Cooley Day as the Marine continues his recovery from a brain injury he suffered nearly three years ago.

Cooley remains in California for his therapy at this point, commissioners discussed. He hopes to return to the area this summer where a new home in Brooksville is waiting for him, thanks to benefactors.

Joining the Pasco Sheriff's Office in 1998, Cooley served as a road patrol deputy before being promoted to detective in the vice and narcotics unit. He also was a member of the SWAT team, according to the county proclamation. He is the son of Ed and Christine Cooley.

In July 2003, Cooley followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, father and grandfathers by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

By August 2004, he had joined the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, and won promotion to lance corporal. Cooley's unit deployed to Iraq in December 2004.

On July 6, 2005, Cooley "suffered a devastating brain injury when the transport vehicle he was riding in was ambushed by a roadside car bomb in Iraq," the county proclamation reads. Cooley slipped into a coma.

The Marine was evacuated to the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., hospital, where President Bush visited him July 30, 2005, to present a Purple Heart.

"Josh has been going through a grueling rehabilitation process over the last three years," the county document continues.

Josh Cooley Day salutes his "outstanding bravery and heroism demonstrated, ensuring our freedom while defending our great country in the war on terrorism," the proclamation concludes.

The three-day weekend will provide plenty of time for residents to whoop it up at events such as the Fourth of July Sparkle Splash at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center pools.

The party will take place from noon until 4 p.m. at the complex, at 6630 Van Buren St. A disc jockey will play music, games are planned and prizes will be given away. Admission costs $5 in advance or $6 the day of the event. If the event is rained out, advance tickets can be used as a one-day pass later. Call 727-841-4560.

The recreation complex itself will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on July 4.

In Hudson, people can catch a fireworks show on Saturday, July 5, while benefiting the Angelus, a home for severely handicapped persons who are not able to care for themselves.

The Fantastic Fifth Fiesta starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Angelus home,12413 Hudson Ave., about five miles east of U.S. 19. The display cranks up after dark. The cost is $5 per carload with proceeds going to Angelus. People can buy hot dogs and soft drinks for donations. No alcohol or personal fireworks will be allowed.

Many military groups plan patriotic celebrations as well.

In New Port Richey, Veterans of Foreign Wars Chester McKay Post 7987 will observe America's birthday on Friday, July 4, at the post home at 7445 Chester McKay Drive in the Veterans Village area. The public is invited to stop by 2 - 4 p.m. for hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and assorted side dishes for a $3 donation. Music will be 3 - 6 p.m. Call 727-376-3502 for information.

In Port Richey, an Independence Day indoor picnic on Friday, July 4, is planned at the VFW Randolph Ford Post 7845 at 6315 Stone Road, commander Jack Kinney reports. The public is invited to the event from 4 to 6 p.m. with food, prizes, raffles and music for a donation of $4 per person. Music by Sharon will follow 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the post. Call 727-847-6277.

On Sunday, July 6, the VFW Post 7845 in Port Richey plans a second celebration, Salute to Veterans, starting at 1 p.m. with live music.

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