The Bert Copple Story The Copple Family
Born in Conneaut, Ohio, Bert was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from high school he became the first from his family to graduate from college, doing so with a B.A. in Communications. After college he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he landed a job in media sales.
"I was looking to achieve my American Dream," says Copple. "I had a great job and made some great money for a being a young adult fresh out of college. But even in my success I discovered that money isn't everything. There was this hole in my life that I was trying to fill with everything and anything, but never found fulfillment. That is, until I rededicated my life to a faith in Christ."
For Bert, the events of September 11, 2001 were a launching point towards a changed life. In the months that followed, Bert realized that every American has an obligation to live up to those famous words uttered by former president John F. Kennedy, Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. Thus began his life of public service to both God and country.
"Eleven months after 9/11 I enlisted into the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I was shipped to South Korea where I served with the 25th Transportation Battalion throughout the peninsula. I returned stateside to Fort Stewart, Georgia assigned to the infamous 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry and deployed to Iraq in January of 2005 for a twelve month combat tour."
Bert was honorably discharged in August 2006 as a decorated war veteran.
"We had a huge decision to make in terms of where to live and settle down," says Bert. "I was accepted at Princeton Theological Seminary, had connections back in Pennsylvania, and considered Michigan so that my wife and year-old son could be near family. Ultimately we picked Warren because there was a greater opportunity for success in terms of finding a good job and buying a house. And that's what we did."
Bert began working for Home Instead Senior Care in Oakland County, assisting seniors who desired to stay at home instead of moving to an assisted or independent living community. In his role, Bert has given countless presentations on the ever-growing issue of eldercare, and has served as chairman of the Oakland County Be A Santa To A Senior program which has provided Christmas gifts and companionship to thousands of needy and shut-in seniors around the holidays. He is also leading the charge to implement the Working Caregiver Initiative in southeast Michigan to empower employers and employees to make educated decisions concerning eldercare, potentially saving Michigan businesses millions of dollars from lost time and decreased productivity, and helping family caregivers deal with stress and being proactive in making eldercare decisions.
"I love my job. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing you are making a difference, a real difference, in someone's life. Being a Christian, we have a mandate to care for the elderly, the widowed, the orphaned, and the poor."
Bert continued his education, earning an M.A. in Theology through Liberty University. The degree complimented his efforts as a pastor in planting a new congregation, Evangel Ministries International, in Roseville, Michigan. He continues to serve as Associate Pastor, and can be heard proclaiming the Gospel message every other Sunday behind the pulpit.
"I'm running for congress because the people of this district deserve better. They deserve change. We have two young children like many others out there, and I am sincerely concerned about the legacy we're leaving behind for them. I'm concerned about the moral decay in our country. And I want my children and their grandchildren to grow up, believing in the beauty of their own American Dream - that they can actually attain it. I'm running for Congress because business-as-usual in Washington has got to change, and that change needs to begin this year, in this district, with this election.
If you'll trust me with your vote, we'll work together to leave a legacy of hope, lay a foundation of faith, and together our children can achieve their dreams!"
Bert, Noah, and Stephanie Copple
Bert and Stephanie Copple were married in July of 2004, just six months before Bert would be deployed to Iraq. Their first child, Noah, was born in October of 2005 during Bert's deployment. Upon Bert's honorable military discharge, the family settled in Warren, Michigan. Stephanie is currently pregnant and the Copples are anticipating the arrival of their second son in early May.