Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Earlier this month, at the SLDN National Dinner, the two received a standing ovation when they took the stage to acknowledge their half century together. Arm in arm they waved to the hundreds of SLDN supporters gathered for the evening. The Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson was there and offers this report on the couple.

Generous contributors to SLDN, Cook and Cole both served in the Army. During World War II Cook was part of the second wave of troops that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was also among the thousands of troops who liberated Paris from Nazi control. For his service, France decorated him with the Croix de Guerre, given to troops who distinguish themselves in conflict. Cole served as well, having been drafted into the Army in 1955, during peacetime, and served in the medical corps as a captain in Hallenberg, Germany. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia at Richmond, Cole’s service and degree enabled him to become a practicing physician at age 24. Today, from their home in Richmond, VA, their lives have slowed down a bit and, according to Cole, “Our fondness grows and that doesn’t diminish with the longevity of our relationship — it just gets more interesting and more delightful to be with each other each day.” SLDN is proud to call these two gentlemen supporters of our cause. With their help and inspiration SLDN is in the hallways of Congress and in key states and Congressional districts fighting to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” -Aubrey Sarvis