Delaware National Guard - DNG News 2001

Delaware National Guard
Cooke receives Distinguished Service Award from National Guard Association
By Maj. Jane Zak, Public Affairs Officer, 261st Signal Brigade

Capt. Joseph Cooke, Master of Ceremonies for the 198th Change of Command, was unaware that he’d be receiving an award during the ceremony.
On behalf of The National Guard Association of Delaware, Brig. Gen. Ronald B. Stewart presented Capt. Joseph A. Cooke, HHD, 198th Signal Battalion the Distinguished Service Award. Cooke was recognized for his actions following the events of September 11, 2001. While working in his Manhattan officer, Cooke received the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center. He contacted the New York National Guard and they directed him to the 369th Corps Support Battalion. He quickly reported to the unit in uniform. As a Signal Officer, Cooke was charged with coordinating landline usage in the unit’s tactical operations center (TOC). He also helped establish communications at the Police Emergency Operations Center in downtown Manhattan. He continued to serve for several days by relieving security personnel at the attack site and driving emergency workers throughout the city. Cooke’s actions reflect the highest sense of duty, values, and honor on the Delaware National Guard. His efforts for the people of New York reflect great credit upon the Delaware National Guard, and Guardsmen everywhere.