thedrifter
04-18-08, 05:17 AM
Marine returns from Iraq feeling positive
Originally published April 18, 2008
By Justin M. Palk
News-Post Staff
U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Michael Cole said his older brother, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Cole Jr., persuaded him to join the military.
"I just decided to be better," he said of his decision to join the Marines, rather than follow his brother into the Air Force.
Both Coles recently completed tours of duty in Iraq, with Ronnie returning to an assignment in Italy, while Michael returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., with a stop to visit his father, Ronnie Cole Sr., who recently relocated from Thurmont to Martinsburg, W.Va.
The two brothers never saw each other in Iraq, however -- with Michael stationed at Camp Taqaddum, 46 miles west of Baghdad, and Ronnie stationed at Balad Air Base, more than 40 miles north of Baghdad.
They did communicate via e-mail, though, Michael said.
During his seven months in Iraq, Michael, with the 2nd Supply Military Police Co., was a lead scout driver for supply convoys.
He didn't see any combat, and from what he saw, things aren't too bad, he said.
"Things are looking better over there," Michael said. "People over there definitely appreciate us, they smile when they see us."
Although Michael expects to make a career of military service, in mid-2009, when his enlistment is up, he plans to attend college.
He said he hopes to start at Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, where he plans to join the Forestry Technology program, and possibly transfer to West Virginia University.
Ellie
Originally published April 18, 2008
By Justin M. Palk
News-Post Staff
U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Michael Cole said his older brother, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Cole Jr., persuaded him to join the military.
"I just decided to be better," he said of his decision to join the Marines, rather than follow his brother into the Air Force.
Both Coles recently completed tours of duty in Iraq, with Ronnie returning to an assignment in Italy, while Michael returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., with a stop to visit his father, Ronnie Cole Sr., who recently relocated from Thurmont to Martinsburg, W.Va.
The two brothers never saw each other in Iraq, however -- with Michael stationed at Camp Taqaddum, 46 miles west of Baghdad, and Ronnie stationed at Balad Air Base, more than 40 miles north of Baghdad.
They did communicate via e-mail, though, Michael said.
During his seven months in Iraq, Michael, with the 2nd Supply Military Police Co., was a lead scout driver for supply convoys.
He didn't see any combat, and from what he saw, things aren't too bad, he said.
"Things are looking better over there," Michael said. "People over there definitely appreciate us, they smile when they see us."
Although Michael expects to make a career of military service, in mid-2009, when his enlistment is up, he plans to attend college.
He said he hopes to start at Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, where he plans to join the Forestry Technology program, and possibly transfer to West Virginia University.
Ellie