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ABOVE: Cook's logo appears on a flashlight. The logo will eventually appear on all approved gear so soldiers can distinguish it from imitations that may be harmful to users.
This logo created by Riverbend High School graduate Amy Cook was selected by the Army to appear on all official gear issued to soldiers. Peter CIhelka/Staff photographer 06-18-08 ------ 2 col, color
Riverbend High School graduate Amy Cook designed a logo that will appear on equipment that is Army-approved for soldiers. |
Finding the first job in any career is often daunting, but Amy Cook's venture in graphic design wasn't your run-of-the-mill, entry-level task.
The recent graduate of Spotsylvania County's Riverbend High School came up with a design that could potentially save lives.
"It's pretty amazing," she said.
Cook helped develop a certification logo to make it easier for soldiers to tell which products have been tested and approved by the Army.
"I'm really proud of the fact that my first job came from the U.S. Army because it's such a big thing," she said.
Cook stumbled onto the project when her father needed help coming up with a logo distinguishable enough not to be confused with similar designs but identifiable enough to be associated with the Army.
Duane Cook is the Army's program manager for clothing and individual equipment and, along with a team of engineers, tests products submitted by manufacturers to ensure their quality.
Many soldiers buy their own equipment to meet individual tastes and sometimes spend $1,000 on items, Cook said.
Because soldiers who buy knockoffs risk being injured or killed, Cook and his team developed a list of authorized items.
"To give soldiers a way of instantly recognizing what's on that list, we said we can come up with a logo," he said.
The logo legally binds other manufacturers from imitating the certification stamp.
Duane Cook says his daughter was the perfect choice since he often sees the "back of her head" as she fiddles on the computer.
Last fall, Amy Cook narrowed 14 designs to one: the Army star with the text "Team Soldier Certified Gear" encircling it. The logo currently can be seen on flashlights and flame-resistant gloves, and soon it will be used on other items.
The 17-year-old Cook, who heads to Longwood University in the fall to study graphic design, was honored at a ceremony at the Pentagon earlier this month.
She's not too upset about not getting a paycheck for the job.
"I've got bragging rights," she said.
Karen Bolipata 540/374-5418
Email: kbolipata@freelancestar.com
