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RECOGNIZING DR. KENNETH COOPER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. VAN TAYLOR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 5, 2021
Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, recognized as the ``Father of Aerobics.'' Born on March 4, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, his desire to practice preventative medicine was fostered by his father, who specialized in preventative dentistry. He would go on to receive his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University School of Public Health.
Prior to dedicating his life's work to fitness, Dr. Cooper served as a member of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon and Director of the Aerospace Medical Laboratory in San Antonio. During his 13 years of military service, he developed the Aerobic Point System as well as the 12-minute and 1.5-mile fitness tests used by military organizations, law enforcement agencies, and thousands of public schools and universities today. In partnership with NASA, he was likewise an integral part of creating the conditioning programs used to prepare astronauts for space.
After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Cooper devoted his time to researching cardiovascular fitness and longevity. In 1970, he founded the Cooper Athletic Center in Dallas, Texas where he merged research with practice, revolutionizing health and fitness. The Cooper Institute has long been recognized as a leader in the fight against childhood obesity, partnering with several organizations to establish fitness programs in schools across the world.
A man of many accolades with years of knowledge, it is of little surprise his training helped lead the 1970 Brazilian Soccer team to victory in the World Cup.
As a pioneer in preventative medicine, Dr. Cooper has received more than 70 awards and honors. He has authored 19 books and is responsible for the addition of the word ``Aerobics'' in the Oxford English Dictionary.
While Dr. Cooper's professional and academic career has been filled with great achievements, it is his family that most inspires him. Dr. Cooper and his wife, Millie, were blessed with a daughter, Berkley, and a son, Tyler. Dr. Cooper and his family set an example by actively practicing what they preach and working to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Cooper himself successfully completed his first marathon in 1962 and has since logged more than 38,000 miles running.
Now as we recognize Dr. Kenneth Cooper, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 195
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