5/29/2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin has ordered all U.S. and state flags displayed at state facilities lowered to half-staff the entire day of Saturday, May 30, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of CW4 Brent S. Cole.
Cole, 38, was killed in a helicopter crash Friday, May 22, 2009, while on active duty in Afghanistan. Cole was assigned as a member of the 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion (Wolf Pack) of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade.
Born in Morgantown, W.Va., Cole was a 1988 graduate of Preston High School in Kingwood. He joined the U.S. Army in 1987 as a Military Policeman, and was selected in 1998 to the Army’s Warrant Officer Flight Program. CW4 Cole was a dedicated soldier, known for his tremendous skill and professionalism as a pilot.
Prior to his death, Cole had been awarded numerous medals and commendations for his military service. Cole was posthumously promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four, and is posthumously being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal.
His memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Kingwood. Interment with full military honors will follow at Masontown Cemetery.
Contact Information
Melvin Smith
304-558-3830