Cole was chosen to go to Washington DC in April with the Veterans Honor Flight
By Andrew Harris
Family and friends of a Scio NY hero are getting excited about a special flight from Rochester to Washington D.C this weekend. Decorated Vietnam Veteran LeRoy Cole has been selected to make the trip with fellow veterans to the nations capital, departing on April 20 and returning to Rochester on April 21.
While in Washington, Cole and over fifty other veterans will tour the nations capital. This flight, dubbed “Mission 82” is the work of the Rochester, New York chapter, one of 130 established ‘hubs’ in the national Honor Flight Network. They are not-for-profit, and created to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices. You can read more about the Honor Flight of Rochester at the end of this article.
First lets learn more about this American hero, who currently resides in Scio NY with his wife Rose:
LeRoy E. Cole
Voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corp in lieu of waiting to be drafted. Served from 1/29/69 until 8/4/70 reaching the rank of Corporal E4. Served for a total of 1 year and 6 months with 11 mos and 29 days served in Vietnam. He spent time as a “tunnel rat”, arguably one of the most dangerous assignments performed in country. He was responsible for entering and clearing the underground pathways to ensure the safety of his fellow marines. For his service he received the:
-National Defense Service Medal
-Vietnam Campaign medal w/ device
-Combat Action Ribbon
-Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 star
-RVN Cross of Gallantry w/ palm and frame
-Purple Heart Medal w/ 1 star (indicating 2 separate battle related injuries)
LeRoy’s family is proud of these accomplishments and urges any of LeRoy’s friends or fellow veterans to consider welcoming him back home in Rochester on April 21. His flight is scheduled to land at approximately noon on April 21 at the Rochester International Airport. For more information on being part of this tribute to a man who has sacrificed greatly for the country, contact any member of the Cole family.
If you can’t make it to Rochester but you know LeRoy, send him a message or give a call before he takes this well deserved trip to the nations capital!!
