Rod A. Cole passed away April 11, 2023 at Longview Home Health and Hospice with his family by his side. Born September 29, 1943 to Joyce (Ruth) and Harley Cole. He attended grade school at Cowlitz Valley Gardens, junior high school at Monticello Junior High, graduated from R.A. Long High School 1961, entered the US Marine Corps 1966 (served 13 months in Vietnam), honorably discharged 1967 to go back to college, received AA from Lower Columbia Junior College in 1968. Retired from International Association of Machinists in 2004. Rental property owner in Cowlitz County since 1987.

He is survived by his wife Sharon (Christofferson) of 57 years, a son Kelly (Debbie) and daughter Michelle Parvi (Eric), seven grandchildren, Samantha Tveter (John II), Tyler Potter, Matthew Cole, Emma Cole, Payton Owen (Jakob), Taya Todd (Justin), Morgan Parvi and five great grandchildren, Pia Damschen, Romi Damschen, Amelia McClintock, Lucille Tveter, John Tveter III, and brother Randy Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ryan and sister Kimberly.

 

COMPLETED MISSION REPORT:

Cpl (E-4) Rodney A. Cole (79), US Marine Corps

Longview, WA.

On Tuesday 23 MAY 2023, 17 Patriots gathered to Honor our Hero Rod Cole (79) US Marine Corps at the Cowlitz County Event Center in Longview, WA. as he was presented with his much-deserved Military Honors.

Rod enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and served 13 months combat duty in Vietnam. Rod earned The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as the Pistol Expert Badge. Rod was Honorably discharged from the Marine Corps to return to college and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve for the remainder of his enlistment.

We Staged at the Event Center in Longview, WA where 17 Patriots once again came together to form The Patriot Guard Mission. We signed in, imparted a bit of ourselves into the challenge coin that was passed from hand to hand as we gathered to Honor another Hero on this day. The coin passed through the hands of the three US Marines onsite as well. We explained the significance of the coin and they were honored to be included. We removed our covers and began with a prayer from our Chaplain. We then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Road Captain (RC) gave a briefing on our Hero along with instructions on the mission plans. We set Flags in place outside the venue and the RC met with the Military, Rifle Volley Team & Family members to assure everyone was on the same page. This was a large group with many moving parts. Our Hero was placed in the driver seat of the 1956 Ford Hot Rod car that he had built from scratch. With everyone in position & ready The US Marine Corps Honor Guard team advanced and honorably transferred our Hero and his Flag from the vehicle to his place of prominence on the table in front of the car and crowd. Military Honors began with the unfolding of the burial Flag. As the Flag was Popped open and canted towards the family, the Rifle team fired their weapons sending prayers aloft in a volley of three. TAPS echoed throughout the building as tears welled up from the 24 notes that we all know so well. The US Marine Corps Honor Guard meticulously re-folded the Hero’s Flag and presented it to his Widow, Mrs. Cole. Our Rifle Team Captain presented the Brass from the Volley of Three followed by the RCs explanation & presentation of the Final Salute Challenge Coin. A Representative from the 1st Marine Division Association also presented his certificate and card to Mrs. Cole.

As we completed Rod’s Military Honors the Patriots were called to attention as we retired the colors. Our Flags led the way as we exited the building in a column of two collecting our Patriots along the way and back to our support vehicle to stow the gear.

I am proud of this mission as I am of every mission we do and proud of the Patriots that stood for this Hero. What we do Matters, and it is important that we do it right.

We gathered as Patriots all, we stood guard for the Hero and his family as the PATRIOT GUARD, united not in name, but in our love of our Veterans, through Our Actions and Honor. May we never forget our purpose in this endeavor of Honor, Respect and Love of our Fallen Heroes and their families. The love and camaraderie of all Patriots gathered this day was beautiful to see as always. 17 Patriots departed until we are called upon to stand yet again and form the Patriot Guard.

This mission was conducted to the highest standards of the American Legion PATRIOT GUARD Mission. It was a mission completed to the highest standards of our stated mission, HONORING OUR NATIONS HEROES.

May GOD bless our service members and our Patriot Family, PATRIOTS ALL that we may continue to STAND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE AND CONTINUE TO STAND FOR OUR SAFETY AND FREEDOM.

My Personal Thank You to each Patriot who attended this Mission, Your Selflessness & Dedication is an inspiration to me and a Blessing to those around you. As always, I am Proud to stand beside you.

Honor/Respect

Aim High, Always

Scott “Preacher” Mathews

Road Captain – FINAL SALUTE /PATRIOT GUARD WA.

TAL PATRIOT GUARD WA.

United States Air Force

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HONOR Is The Mission