I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, Operation Joint Guardian and Operation Octave Shield. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount
Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount, 25, from St. George, Utah, died as the result of a vehicle rollover accident while conducting reconnaissance operations, July 21, 2020, in Eastern Syria. The incident is under investigation. Mount was assigned to 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. ~ DoD News Release
Sgt Bryan Cooper Mount
Bryan Cooper Mount was born in St. George, Utah in 1995 but grew up in Parowan, Utah. “Cooper”
was an active, playful and fearless young man; reportedly being the first and most willing to try something new. Cooper loved skiing, earned a Brown Belt in Karate and was a member of Parowan High School’s state championship Cross Country team as well as other sports and activities and serving on the student council.
Following high school Mount worked in a fast food restaurant and it was there he met his future wife, Michell Tidwell. Shortly after the two were married, Cooper enlisted in the Army as a Cavalry Scout. Mount completed basic training and Airborne school at Fort Benning, GA and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Once settled in at Fort Bragg, Cooper and Michell soon began discussing plans for their lives after the Army. Mount wanted to be a barber as well as owning and operating a food truck.
Mount’s first deployment was to Mosul, Iraq in 2017. It was there he earned his Sergeant stripes. He deployed to Syria this year and was serving as a gunner protecting the paratroopers under his leadership at the time of his death. ~ Source ~ Source
On Tuesday evening, Michell Mount answered a knock at her door only to find an Army Chaplin standing there. “That’s unfortunately, how they deliver the news that you’ve lost a soldier.” Suddenly she experienced multiple stages of grieving at once. “I couldn’t move. I couldn’t walk or talk or do anything because it just felt so unreal.”
Sgt. Mount’s parents, Bronwyn and Bryan said he was a friend to all, but his best friend was his brother Dillon. Dillon Mount is also serving in the Army and is stationed at Fort Bragg as well. According to Bryan, “They were always inseparable, whether it was army or life, they were there for each other.”
Bryan Mount said the Army did not divulge what their son’s assignment in Syria was; only that it was important. Bryan added, “What Cooper was doing was vital to the freedoms of the people of the United States. He was out there serving everybody, not just a few, but everybody and that makes him my hero.” ~ Source
"It was his second time serving in combat and we relied on his experience. Bryan was just one of those dependable paratroopers everyone looked up to and relied upon. He had an easy smile and contagious personality." ~ Capt. Reid Jacobson, commander Bravo Troop, 1-73 Cav
"Bryan was an incredible paratrooper and those who served with him will mourn his loss. He had the unique ability to make everyone laugh no matter who they were or how you were feeling. His paratroopers looked up to him. ... If you had a problem, you could count on Bryan to help." ~ Lt. Col. Val Moro, commander of 1-73 Cav
“Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount was a true American hero. He was a three-time volunteer on his second combat deployment and his loss will be deeply felt across our entire formation. He was a husband, son, brother and leader who was adored by everyone who knew him. Our sole focus now is providing unyielding support to Cooper’s family.” ~ Major General Christopher Donahue, 82nd Airborne Division Commander
“Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount was a true example of willing service to our nation. Today, we join all Utahns in honoring his sacrifice and grieving with his family. A life of kindness, love and friendship is one well-lived no matter the length of time. He was a dedicated soldier, husband, son and friend to all those with whom he served. Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones at this very difficult time. They will long be in our prayers.” ~ Governor Gary Herbert, Utah
“Deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Bryan Mount serving in Syria. A native of St. George, Sgt. Mount was known for his collegial personality and desire to serve others. Ann and I send our prayers to his wife, family, and loved ones.” ~ Senator Mitt Romney
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 in honor of Fort Bragg Paratrooper, Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount.
A Go Fund Me account has been created by Mount’s Aunt for assistance with funeral expenses and educational expenses for his wife, Michell.
Sgt Bryan Cooper Mount’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Army Parachutist Badge.
The family has announced that a viewing will be held in St. George UT, followed by a viewing and funeral services in Parowan, UT the following day. His graveside services will include his full honor ceremony as a Gold Star service member.
Sgt Bryan Cooper Mount is survived by his wife, Michell; his dogs Ben and Scooter; his mother Bronwyn; his father Bryan; his mother-in-law Melody; his brother Dillon; grandparents Burke and Darlene as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.
