Darrell Cook Retires

Several weeks ago Mr. Cook told me that he would retire in May or June 2008. For me, it is always difficult to say goodbye to another superintendent of the battlefield. Mr. Cook was my eighth superintendent to work with and he was the third associated with Friends.

Mr. Cook carried on the legacy left by his predecessors Barbara Booher, Gerard Baker, and Neil Mangum. They established a solid working relationship with the Indian community: Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow, that resulted in many great and significant changes for the Monument. Mr. Cook ensured that relationship continued to flourish, and so he leaves it in great hands for the next superintendent.

Mr. Cook's last official day as superintendent at Little Bighorn is June 2. He will take vacation time and actually be out of the office most of the time after May 19th. Mr. Cook announced his retirement to his staff this morning during a meeting. In that meeting he announced that James Charles will manage the Monument until the NPS can appoint a full-time superintendent.

The Friends board, its membership, and I wish Mr. Cook all the good fortune and enjoyment of life during his retirement. He's looking forward to  fishing and hunting with his sons and, after 39 years of public service not having to worry about how things are going back in the office.

We also look forward to working with Mr. Charles and the next superintendent at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Regards,

Bob Reece

Mr. Cook sent me these kind words yesterday and asked that I share them with all of you:

Bob/Joanne/Friends of Little Bighorn Battlefield --

I am announcing my retirement effective June 2, 2008 from the National Park Service and the Superintendency of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

It seems not too long ago that I began my career with the National Park Service, however after adding it up it has become 39 years and 9 months. My tenure at Little Bighorn is now six years and I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.

One of the true highlights of serving at Little Bighorn Battlefield has been the opportunity to work with the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield. The Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield is much more meaningful than the name as it has become a true Friend of the Park. Your love of the Battlefield and all that you do is outstanding. The projects that you have been involved with: warrior markers, interpretive exhibits, trail work, and your volunteer interpretive work, etc etc has been a godsend for the Battlefield.

I truly want you to know how much the Friends is appreciated by the Park and to me. The work you do is important, meaningful, and serves the public and the long term care of the Battlefield well.

Again, I express my appreciation for all that you do and hopefully I will try to attend the evening of the Friends Feast and enjoy one more evening with the best Friends that any Park can have.
 

Warm Regards,
Darrell

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