[2019] Bennie Cole Sr., Retired US Air Force (70-19) 7 MAY 19

[sgtmack]

US AIR FORCE RETIRED

The family of Mr. Bennie Lee Cole Sr., a US Air Force (Retired) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the services, LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one.

Bennie L. Cole – August 5, 1942 – April 26, 2019

Bennie L. Cole was born to Mae Ella Cole and L.C. Cole on August 5, 1942 in Brenham, Texas. He attended public schools and graduated in 1961 from Pickard High School, the first high school in Texas for black students. He was baptized and committed to his Christian journey at an early age at Mt. Seriah Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas. Bennie excelled in football and was named all-state in baseball. He earned a football scholarship to Colorado College but repeated injuries ended his playing days. Bennie served over 43 years with distinction for his country. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 23 years and more than 4000 hours as an aircrew member. One of his most memorable flights was one that carried then Vice-President Gerald Ford. He spent 20 years as a management consultant in civil service. Bennie was longtime community and Northside ISD volunteer. He made it his mission to help students dream, discover, and explore their passions. He believed that with an education, anything was possible. Bennie was instrumental in the development of the Northside Education Foundation and served as an elected member of the NISD Board of Trustees for four years. In these roles, he was able to make decisions that put students first and helped prepare them to succeed in college and careers. Bennie was honored to have a school namesake “Bennie L. Cole Elementary.” Bennie served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the city of San Antonio. He was a member of the San Antonio Zulu Association and Tuskegee Airman, Inc. He received numerous awards; Air Force Civilian Medal of Valor for Heroism, CPS Energy “Amazing Energy” award, the Brenham ISD Distinguished Alumni Award just to name a few. He was also part of the Air Force Academy and ENT Air Force Base Hall of Fame as fastpitch softball player. The Northside Council of PTAs awarded Bennie a Texas Life Membership on 2002. Bennie was an outstanding leader with the vigilance of a lion and savvy of a diplomat. Bennie is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Ethel Lee Cole, Brenham, Texas; Elsie Cole Bradford, Fort Worth, Texas; Ruby Cole Sessions, Fort Worth, Texas; and one brother, L.C. Cole, Jr. Bennie leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, his beloved wife, Mrs. Edithe Cole, San Antonio, Texas; one son, Bennie L. Cole, II, Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Marcus Cole, Port Arthur, Texas; Eliya Cole, Katy, Texas; Royal Cole, Houston, Texas. His sister, Gloria Wills, Brenham, Texas; Uncles Nathaniel Harris, Gardenia, California; Retlaw Greene, Cedar Creek, Texas; Walter Greene, Bastrop, Texas; John Greene, Pflugerville, Texas; Albert Greene, Smithville, Texas; Aunts, Alma Jean Greene McNeil, Carrizo Springs, Texas; Marvel Greene Wimbley, Smithville, Texas; Linda Greene, Bastrop, Texas; and Niffirg Greene, Laredo, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. We know God knows best and we feel blessed to have had him in our lives. He will be missed but he will always be in our hearts.

WEATHER: Hi 85 / Lo 72, 40% Chance of Rain, 76% Humidity

REQUESTOR: Sabrina Walker, Family SPOX

STAGING: 1100 Hours, Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Grace First Baptist Church
2514 Observation Dr
San Antonio, Texas 78227
https://goo.gl/maps/Su1XQ3gUR1gb39Yg7

BRIEFING: 1115 Hours

SERVICE: 1200 Hours
Grace First Baptist Church
2514 Observation Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78227
https://goo.gl/maps/Su1XQ3gUR1gb39Yg7

KSU: 1345 Hours (Semper Gumby)

INTERMENT: 1430 Hours Shelter #3
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/ThiWmPirmtr

RC: Pete “Sea Dog” Johnson
pfjohn127@gmail.com

FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.

2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.

3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!

4. Cemeteries are hallowed ground. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Show our respect to ALL who are in attendance.

5. If riding/driving a motorcycle on Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, which is located within a Military Installation, you will need to wear closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt, gloves, DOT approved helmet, eye protection, long pants, and boots/shoes that cover the ankle.

***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.

At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.

If you choose to fly a flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.


Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Honor, Dignity, Respect
Cell: (562) 413-2223
bobtxpgr@gmail.com