23-05-2025
Niagara Gospel Mission's John Cooper nominated for state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
The leader of a local shelter for homeless men will soon be recognized by the state of New York for his years of military service.
New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, has nominated the Rev. John Cooper Jr., executive director of the Niagara Gospel Mission in Niagara Falls, for induction into the New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Nominees are chosen based on their service to the nation, their contributions to their local communities and their achievements in civilian life.
'I'm honored and thankful for this nomination,' Cooper Jr. said. 'My family has served in the business community and local organizations for decades. We've fought in our nation's wars and as part of the Underground Railroad. My family and faith have taught me to care for those in need.'
A Town of Wheatfield native and a graduate of Niagara-Wheatfield High School, Cooper Jr. served as a sniper in the U.S. Army for six years. His military service included active duty in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2021. In February 2022, he joined the shelter's staff as development director. The ordained Baptist pastor and Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania graduate has served as the rescue mission's executive director since the end of 2023. Cooper Jr., his wife Elizabeth and their four boys live in Niagara Falls.
During his tenure at the mission, Cooper Jr. helped establish the Liberty Suite for homeless Veterans at the Mission, the Re-Deploy Veterans Recovery Program, and the RECON Recovery Program; provided community symposiums to educate the community about homelessness and mental illness, and initiated Code Blue for homeless men attempting to survive winter on the streets. In addition, Cooper is spearheading a campaign to raise funds to open a women's shelter for homeless women in Western New York.
Ortt submitted Cooper's name for approval based on the 'incredible' work he's done with gospel mission, which runs a homeless shelter for men in the Falls at its location on Portage Road.
'I have learned about how they serve as a Code Blue shelter, feed and clothe the community, offer a special program for homeless veterans, and are getting ready to construct a women's only shelter. John has selflessly served both his country and his community— he embodies all of the values we look for in nominees to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, and it's an honor to select John Cooper Jr. as my candidate from Senate District 62.'
Senators from each New York district have submitted their choice for an inductee into the hall of fame, a practice that began in 2005. Cooper Jr. will join the other hall of fame nominees during a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday at the State Capitol building in Albany.
