Gene Cooler, a retired gunnery sergeant from the Marines, chose his branch of service to see the world, but he also thought they had the best uniforms.
Cooler has lived in North Augusta for five years and grew up in Augusta. Joining the Marines gave him travel opportunities and a chance to live in places like Key West, Fla., but his other reason lied in aesthetics.
"They have the prettiest uniforms," he laughed.
Cooler is a member of the Marine Corps Detachment #1132 Riverfront Marines based out of North Augusta. He serves as the senior vice commander, filling in for Commander John Tolley when needed.
The veteran Marine completed three tours in Japan and served in Vietnam, he said. From 1962-1965 he was a drill instructor at Paris Island.
Retiring from the service in 1975, Cooler became an independent dealer in the office equipment industry with Sharp Electronics while living in Atlanta. In 2004 he retired from work as well and moved back to the area.
Time is now spent volunteering and helping fellow veterans at the veteran's hospital or members of his own organization who are in need.
"I try not to do anything Monday through Friday, and I rest on Saturday and Sunday," he joked.
Volunteering is his main day-to-day activity, and with the upcoming season he's began helping collect for Toys for Tots, a program the Riverfront Marines support.
Traveling is also a passion, taking many trips a year to Naples, Fla. to visit his son and two grandsons.
Food also is high on the 71-year-old's list.
"I just like to go out to dinner at different restaurants," he said.
Raes Coastal Cafe and Carrabba's Italian Grill are two of his favorites.
In December or early January he's expecting a newborn- alpaca, that is. He is the owner of Carolina Star and Tinny that stay at Tolley's farm, Buena Vista Alpacas.
"Those are my hobby," he said. "I figured since the economy is so bad I couldn't go wrong doing that."
Cooler said he invites all veteran Marines to visit the Riverfront Marines at a monthly meeting. They meet the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Carolina Avenue.
"Everyone should try to give a little back," he said. "(Being a part of) Riverfront Marines is one way we can do that and enjoy ourselves at the same time."
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
