John Hooper, founding member of the Loomis Battery of the Northwest Territory in the 1950's was my wife, Missy's Uncle.

John was a combat infantry veteran of WWII. He served with the 29th Division and was in the 3rd wave on Omaha Beach. He said Saving Private Ryan got those guys aff the beach hours before what was humanly possible -- He did say they got the sounds right - his mwemory supplied the smells.

After the war, John was a draftsman for General Motors and an avid collector of guns and militaria. He was lucky enough to have the income to take advantage of the values that those post war years allowed the gun collector.

John jumped into skirmishing as the Civil War Centennial approached and was known for his knowledge of artillery and artillery equipment. Matt Switlake's first edition of the COMPLETE CANNONEER was dedicated to John.

John died earlier this year and was buried at a National Cemetery in Texas. His widow, Missy's Aunt Gen, is trying to sell off John's collection.

Gen is honoring John's wishes to make his collection available for others to have and enjoy. John Collected from the age of 18 to 85. He carefully preserved all the things he had. He always said that he had the joy of owning these things for awhile and that they should then go to others who will appreciate and care for them into the future.

If you are interested, the collection can be viewed at:

www.hoopercollection.weebly.com

Yes that is the address and it works - I already tried it.

Double click to enlarge the photos.

The site is still under construction and some pricing is not established yet.

Aunt Gen is looking for offers that are discounted, BUT FAIR. The income from this sale will also support Gen in the years to come

Aunt Gen is being helped in this task by John's Texas buddies. Please be patient -- as in letting these things go, she is also saying goodbye to John all over again with each thing that goes out.

Digger