Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper visits key rehabilitation center in Jordan

Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs

R. Clarke Cooper visits key rehabilitation center in Jordan

Amman – Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper visited a rehabilitation center for survivors of unexploded ordnance and landmine accidents supported by a State Department grant that provide Syrian refugee children with prosthetic care.  The program, conducted in partnership among the Polus Center, the Sir Bobby Charlton Rehabilitation Center, and several other rehabilitation programs in Jordan, strengthens Jordan’s capacity to respond to complex victim’s assistance needs through comprehensive training and mentoring programs and direct and targeted rehabilitative support.

“The work of the dedicated professionals is making a real difference in the lives of Syrian children refugees.  We are proud of our support for this program since 2013 under a U.S. State Department grant administered through the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs,” said Assistant Secretary Cooper.

Assistant Secretary Cooper traveled to Jordan as part of a regional trip that also includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar from October 13-18, 2019, to build on U.S. efforts to strengthen regional security partners in the face of growing Iranian aggression. In Amman, Assistant Secretary Cooper joined U.S. embassy representatives for site visits to military installations where U.S. security assistance has supported major procurements of U.S. defense articles, improving Jordan’s operational capability and force readiness.  Jordan is the third largest recipient of Foreign Military Financing managed by the Department.  Assistant Secretary Cooper also met with Jordanian officials to discuss regional security challenges and opportunities to expand partnership in support of the Jordan Armed Forces’ ability to secure its borders; counter terrorist threats; participate in coalition operations; and defend Jordan’s national territory.

  1. Clarke Cooper was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs on April 30, 2019. Immediately prior to taking on his present role in the Trump Administration, Mr. Cooper served as the Director of Intelligence Planning for Joint Special Operations Command’s Joint Inter-Agency Task Force – National Capital Region. In the Bush Administration, Mr. Cooper served as U.S. Alternate Representative to the United Nations Security Council, U.S. Delegate to United Nations Budget Committee, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, and Advisor at U.S. Embassy-Baghdad. His active duty military assignments include tours with Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Africa Command, Special Operations Command Africa, Joint Special Operations Task Force Trans-Sahara, and Special Operations Command Central. ‎An outdoor enthusiast, he served as an Assistant Director of the National Park Service early in his career, and was an Eagle Scout in his youth. He is a graduate of The Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in history, and he maintains a field grade commission with the U.S. Special Operations Command.  He is married to fellow combat veteran, Michael Marin.
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