Hi, my name is Kristi and as much as I hate to do it, I am forced to ask for help at this very difficult time.

I met Ron Cooper on July 7, 1988 and we have been a family ever since. Ron joined the US Marine Corp in September 1973, spending 4years active duty, then 2 more years in the National Guard. While stationed in Hawaii, he was a Crew Chief on a Huey and flew many rescue as well as recovery missions, including a secret trip to Vietnam where he was subjected to Agent Orange.

Prior to his departure from the Marines, his flight jacket was scrubbed and we had no proof of his contact with Agent Orange.

Due to this contact, Ron had Ischemic ❤️ Heart problems, PTSD, COPD, Diabetes, Neuropathy and other disorders. We fought with the VA for many, many years and Ron was finally approved for some service connected disability, but not the Agent Orange related ones that were the cause of his quickly declining health and ultimate death.

I regret having to, but I need help paying for Ron's funeral and asking you to help if you can. This is a very long story, but I felt if I shared with you some of the problems we've had with the VA and their lack of concern for the disabled Veterans you might understand more of my circumstances. Although I had previously lost a husband and gone through this before, my future is unknown and I am scared to death.

Hug your family tightly and treasure every minute with those you love. You never know when they will be taking the next journey.

Finally, I want to share one more thing with you which at this moment is giving me comfort. Early Thursday morning, while home alone with me, Ron was having an extremely hard COPD attack and the last thing he said to me, looking at me with tears in our eyes was "love me and help me, we'll get through this together "

RIP Ron, I love ❤️ you and miss you so very much.