Bill Text: VA SR66 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Admiral Robert Stanley Cole, USN, Ret.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-08 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR66ER) [SR66 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SR66-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Admiral Robert Stanley Cole, USN, Ret., distinguished veteran and treasured member of the Smithfield community, died September 19, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Robert Cole was born in West Point, New York; he proudly served in the United States Navy for 34 years, attaining the rank of rear admiral (lower half); and
WHEREAS, Robert Cole flew more than 200 missions during the Vietnam War and trained other pilots with the Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, popularly known as TOPGUN, at Naval Air Station Miramar in California; he earned many awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross; and
WHEREAS, Robert Cole served as executive officer of the USS John F. Kennedy and commanding officer of the USS Forrestal and Naval Station Norfolk; he also completed tours of duty at the United States Naval War College in Rhode Island and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, after his years of military service, Robert Cole worked several years as a general manager for the Pomoco Auto Group; and
WHEREAS, an active and engaged member of his community, Robert Cole served the Kiwanis Club, the Smithfield Little Theatre, and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce; and in 2003, was one of the founding members of the Isle of Wight Education Foundation; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Robert Cole was a dedicated member of Liberty Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Robert Cole will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Paula; his children, Tami, Jennifer, and Brian, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Admiral Robert Stanley Cole, USN, Ret., honorable veteran and valued member of the Smithfield community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Admiral Robert Stanley Cole, USN, Ret., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
