Just two days before his death, Staff Sergeant Jhon Ray Coopera sat with his mother in their modest home in Barangay Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City, sharing his dreams of retirement, of moving with her to Mindanao, and of building a small family business.
On August 25—National Heroes Day—those dreams ended in the mountains of Tapaz, Capiz, where the 37-year-old soldier was killed in an encounter.
His mother, 59-year-old Breza Coopera, now clings to those final moments.
Tears streaming down her face, Breza recalled how her son had always wanted to wear the uniform, inspired by his father, retired Staff Sergeant Samson Guillano Coopera.
“It was his dream to be like his father,” she said softly. “He never gave up until he made it.”
Jhon Ray took the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test three times before passing in Jamindan, Capiz.
For 16 years, he served in the Philippine Army with quiet dedication.
His family believed he was safe, assigned mainly to office duties. That belief crumbled when fellow soldiers arrived at their door to deliver the news of his death.
The second of three siblings, Jhon Ray was known as hardworking, gentle, and deeply devoted to his family.
Though separated from his wife, the fallen soldier poured his love into raising his only child.
Now, Jhon Ray’s mother finds strength in the way her son lived and in the cause for which he died.
“It hurts so much,” she whispered, “but we accept it, because he died serving the country.”
On the day the nation honored its heroes, one more name was added to that sacred roll. For his family and community, Jhon Ray will be remembered not only as a soldier, but as a son, a father, and a man whose dreams live on in the lives he touched.IMT
