#146 Blake Cook - America's Scapegoats: The 365-Day Service That Never Stops

Blake Cook reflects on his early life in Pomba, a small West Virginia town, and his journey from a turbulent family life to finding purpose in the military.

Grew up in a small West Virginia town with a turbulent family dynamic

Experienced his parents' messy divorce and strained relationship with his father

Blake Cook's early life was marked by the messy divorce of his parents when he was around three or four years old. The divorce led to frequent conflicts, especially as his father built a house right next to his mother's, creating a permanent backdrop of arguments and drama. His family name suffered due to his father's choices, including starting a new family and a relationship with a significantly younger stepmother, leading to an incident involving Blake's brother which resulted in police intervention. Blake's father showed a pattern of prioritizing women over his children, leading to resented absences and an environment Blake and his brother often had to endure alone while their mother was out of town.

Supported by a caring and hardworking mother who encouraged his education

Despite the difficulties, Blake describes his mother as phenomenal. She took him to her community college classes and actively participated in his education by enrolling him in football. His mother attended every game he played, ensuring that her children felt supported. In contrast to his father, Blake's mother never kept tabs on her good deeds, implying a selfless approach to parenting.

Had a close relationship with his older brother who provided guidance and protection

Blake speaks highly of his older brother, who took on the role of caregiver, protector, and positive influence in Blake's life. After their parents' divorce, his brother ensured that they were taken care of and shielded from the toxic home environment. His brother's profound resentment towards their father and his protective advice to Blake reflect the strong bond and guidance he provided.

Struggled to find direction after high school, failed at college and odd jobs

Joined the Army on a whim, initially skeptical about the military life

Blake's transition to adulthood was challenging. After struggling with the college environment and failing to attend classes, Blake faced expulsion and the disappointment of returning home. With his mother ...

Blake Cook's narrative journeys through his intense experiences within the 82nd Airborne Division and his subsequent career in law enforcement in Fayetteville, North Carolina, painting a picture of the challenging and rewarding aspects of his service.

Challenging Experiences in the 82nd Airborne Division

Cook's time in the military was marked by significant adversity, from poor leadership to life-threatening injuries.

Faced poor leadership and a lack of training opportunities

Starting off, Blake Cook found his time in the 82nd Airborne Division marred by ineffective leadership. There was a lack of mentorship from those in charge with physical and verbal abuses often substituted for guidance, led by members of the "E4 Mafia." His superiors were disinclined to foster development among newcomers, hindering access to further training and advancement opportunities. Cook endured what he perceived as punitive physical exercises, using them to augment his workout regimen. Leadership was reluctant to send him on additional training exercises, such as selection or Ranger school, which he saw as vital for his and the unit’s growth.

Witnessed the harsh realities of war during his deployment to Afghanistan

The brutal realities of war became apparent during Cook's deployment to Afghanistan. On May 24th, 2012, his unit reacted to an outpost under fire, taking a route not cleared of IEDs. It was here that Cook's vehicle was hit by an IED, resulting in severe injuries and a traumatic episode. He woke up amidst chaos, injured and dazed, unsure about the extent of his wounds, which later turned out to be a traumatic brain injury, among other issues.

Suffered a traumatic brain injury from an IED explosion

Cook's vehicular accident led to a traumatic brain injury, which manifested in symptoms like intense headaches, vomiting, and sensory problems in his face and legs. Despite a year and a half of therapy, he found himself thrust back into duty without adequate reintegration. Cook's return to service was met with another head injury during a parachute jump, resulting in a concussion and another round of therapy.

Transition to Law Enforcement Career in Fayetteville, North Carolina

After his military service, Cook pursued a career in law enforcement, which posed challeng ...

Blake Cook discusses the difficulties currently faced by law enforcement officers, focusing on the difficult environment post-2020 and the problems exacerbated by movements and policy changes after the George Floyd incident.

Navigated a politically charged environment and unsupportive leadership

Faced backlash and unjust disciplinary actions for his proactive policing approach

Cook recalls an unsupportive work environment and repercussions faced for his policing approach. He describes a specific incident where his use of force resulted in a suspect splitting his head open, even though the individual was restrained and under the influence. This suggests he operated in a politically charged atmosphere with fear of punishment for enforcement actions against looting or other crimes.

Witnessed the detrimental effects of restrictive policies and lack of accountability

Blake Cook criticized the lack of logical thinking in leadership nationally and discussed his own experiences with judgement and discipline stemming from proactive policing, highlighting an environment where the actions of few lead to broader condemnation and disciplinary actions.

Confronted the harsh realities of gang violence and crime in Fayetteville

Dealt with brazen criminal activity, including daylight shootings and cartel influence

Cook speaks about the various gangs present in Fayetteville and the daily confrontation with criminal activities such as daylight shootings and cartel operations. The city's struggle with drug and gun running by gangs and broad daylight violent acts like shootings at crowded places portrays the harsh realities of crime that law enforcement deals with regularly.

Observed the demoralization of law enforcement and the erosion of public trust

He explains how the fear of repercussions for using deadly force - even when necessary - made him worried about his and his family’s well-being. This and other experiences, such as failing leadership, lack of support, and a perception of abandonment by the community, contribute to a demoralized force and eroded trust between the police and the public they serve.

Advocated for better training, leadership, and support for police officers

...

Blake Cook's story is a profound one, punctuated by personal hardship, a descent into darkness, and a remarkable turnaround that led him to a path of service and redemption.

Experienced emotional and mental burnout from the demands of the job

Cook's account exposes the severe emotional and mental burnout that can afflict those in high-pressure jobs. Tackling distressing calls required him to quickly switch off from one critical incident to another, which put an immense strain on his mental health. He remembers thinking about the calls he attended and the heavy burden they imposed on him. The environment was relentless; there was no time to process one incident before another demanded his full attention. Eventually, it led Cook to a breaking point where his mental health was severely impacted and he turned to alcohol, drinking all the time due to the stress of his job.

Turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, nearly took his own life

Cook's struggle went beyond the job as he turned to alcohol. He shared a candid recounting of going “straight alcoholic,” pushing his family away, and reaching the point where he did not see an escape from his troubles other than to take his own life. He organized his bills and important documents for his wife, preparing for the end. This period of extreme despair culminated in him nearly attempting suicide in a Marshall's parking lot before a crucial phone call intervened.

Felt betrayed by leadership and unsupported in his time of need

The path to this near-tragic end was marked by betrayal from those he expected support from. Cook felt let down by the leadership in his professional environment, citing irrational regulations and a political climate that did not support him. An egregious error where his family was wrongly informed of his death by the 82nd Airborne Division's readiness group added to his and his family's trauma.

Encountered a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his life

The trajectory of Cook's life, however, altered drastically due to a timely act.

Received a timely phone call from Kyle Defoor that prevented his suicide attempt

When he was on the brink of ending his life, Cook's phone rang. It was Kyle Defoor, whose call came at the exact moment Cook was about to pull the trigger. This call, which Cook attributes to divine timing, stopped him from committing suicide.

Underwent a spiritual awakening and renewed commitment to serving others

This experience sparked a significant change in Cook's life. He underwent a spiritual awakening, reconnecting with his faith and being baptized. Through his religion, Cook found a renewed purpose and began to transform his life.

T ...

Shawn Ryan and Blake Cook discuss the crucial roles that faith and relationships play in overcoming life's challenges, showing that belief and communal bonds can be sources of profound strength.

Recognized the role of faith and God's intervention in his life

Cook stresses how integral his Christian faith has been throughout his struggles. He acknowledges that moments which might seem coincidental, like the life-saving phone call intercepting his suicide attempt, are not mere happenstance but divine intervention. He describes encounters, like the one with Kyle who embraced him and acknowledged their mutual need, as guided by a higher power. Moreover, Blake Cook's prayer during the interview highlights his recognition of divine guidance and his gratitude towards the positive influences that have shaped his path.

In his reflections, Cook submits to God's presence in his life, interpreting his own story as God's work, feeling God in his soul, and crediting his sobriety and transformed life to divine providence. He expresses his awareness of God's grace as a key factor in not succumbing to despair.

Emphasized the value of supportive relationships and community

Blake's partnership with Kyle Defoor, where they aim to bring people closer to God and teach them to be righteous individuals, demonstrates the value he places on using their influence for good. His aspirations for his son—to learn perseverance and self-belief despite hardships—further reflect his desire to guide others through his own experiences.

Additionally, Cook exhibits intense thankfulness for his bond with Kyle, comparing the latter's family to his own and underscoring the power of unity. Sharing a poignant memory where Kyle gave him a crucial show of support, Blake acknowledges the significance of mutual reliance and the emotional sustenance that comes from it.

While the transcript does not explicitly state his wife’s contribution to his strength, Blake mentions how during his time in the police academy, her support was indispen ...