Dick Cole is a retired public affairs specialist who served as a civilian with the Navy, the Army, and the Department of Defense, and a military public affairs officer in the Air Force. Throughout his career he has specialized in speechwriting and media relations.

He was graduated with a bachelor's degree (Magna Cum Laude) in journalism from Troy State University, Ala., in November 1977. In 1984, he was one of five Air Force public affairs officers selected to attend Syracuse University for a year to obtain a public relations/communications graduate degree in 1984. He was graduated second in his class of 54 students with a 3.92 grade point average and a master's degree in mass communications (radio, TV and film). Cole produced a documentary on three military women entitled, "An Officer and a Lady -- Three Women in Today's Military" as part of his studies. The program was selected as the finest Department of Defense documentary for 1986 and Cole was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award.

He served on active duty in the Air Force as a medic, wing historian, navigator, instructor B-52G electronic warfare officer, and public affairs officer. He retired from the Air Force Oct. 1, 1992, with the rank of major (O-4).

Cole is the author of two books and a contributor of photography to 19 others. He is married to the former Jeanette Vincent of Wickliffe, Ohio. They have two children and three grandchildren. They reside in Chester, Va.

Dick Cole is a retired public affairs specialist who served as a civilian with the Navy, the Army, and the Department of Defense, and a military public affairs officer in the Air Force. Throughout his career he has specialized in speechwriting and media relations.

He was graduated with a bachelor's degree (Magna Cum Laude) in journalism from Troy State University, Ala., in November 1977. In 1984, he was one of five Air Force public affairs officers selected to attend Syracuse University for a year to obtain a public relations/communications graduate degree in 1984. He was graduated second in his class of 54 students with a 3.92 grade point average and a master's degree in mass communications (radio, TV and film). Cole produced a documentary on three military women entitled, "An Officer and a Lady -- Three Women in Today's Military" as part of his studies. The program was selected as the finest Department of Defense documentary for 1986 and Cole was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award.

He served on active duty in the Air Force as a medic, wing historian, navigator, instructor B-52G electronic warfare officer, and public affairs officer. He retired from the Air Force Oct. 1, 1992, with the rank of major (O-4).

Cole is the author of two books and a contributor of photography to 19 others. He is married to the former Jeanette Vincent of Wickliffe, Ohio. They have two children and three grandchildren. They reside in Chester, Va.