HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 66
(By Delegates Williams and Shaver)
Commemorating the passing of CW4 Brent Cole, patriot, pilot,
husband, father, soldier, proud West Virginian and true
American hero.
Whereas, CW4 Brent Cole was born August 12, 1970, in
Morgantown, West Virginia, was raised in Reedsville and graduated
from West Preston High School in 1988; and
Whereas, Brent joined the West Virginia National Guard at the
age of seventeen, knowing that he was destined for a military
career; and
Whereas, In 1998, Brent was selected to the Army's Warrant
Officer Flight Program. He excelled as an Army Aviator and began
flying the AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter. He continued to excel
by becoming his unit's Aviation Safety Officer, ensuring the safety
of those around him; and
Whereas, With his much revered skills and professionalism as a
pilot, Brent was selected to become an instructor pilot, and given
the responsibility for teaching new aviators the skills to operate
the greatest attack helicopter in the world; and
Whereas, CW4 Brent Cole served his country and state in Bosnia,
Sinai, Iraq and Afghanistan; and
Whereas, On May 22, 2009, while escorting an aerial convoy
through enemy territory, CW4 Brent Cole lost his life in
Afghanistan when the Apache he was flying suffered a single engine
flame out resulting in a crash; and
Whereas, CW4 Cole's military decorations include the Bronze
Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Valor, Army
Commendation Medal with four oak clusters and twenty other medals;
and
Whereas, CW4 Brent Cole leaves behind his wife Vanessa, his ten
year old son Carson, and his parents Helen and Jack Cole; and
Whereas, The passing of CW4 Brent Cole should not go unnoticed;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That regret is hereby expressed by the members at the passing
of CW4 Brent Cole, patriot, pilot, husband, father, soldier, proud
West Virginian and true American hero; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward a certified copy of this resolution to the family of CW4
Brent Cole.