American Legion To Honor Woodstock soldier

A hometown hero will be honored today at the Park at City Center for his military service.

American Legion Post 316 and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1311 will host an informal reception today at 4 p.m. to Georgia Marine Cpl. Jeffrey Cole.

Cole was recently awarded the Silver Star on July 10 at Camp LeJeune for his bravery in a 2010 attack that injured him while serving Afghanistan. It's Cole's first trip back to Woodstock since he was awarded the Silver Star.

Irma Martin, commander of American Legion Post 316, said the organization is expecting between 100 and 150 people to attend today's event in the park. She said Cole will be escorted to the ceremony by the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders and Wounded Warrior Riders.

"We wanted to do something special because the Silver Star is the third highest honor for combat," Martin said. “He really represents what our young men and women do today while in the service.”

Both the Woodstock Police Foundation and Woodstock Police Department will be on hand for the event. Colby Family Chiropractic will have a bounce house on hand for children, Martin added. 

Cole was ambushed by enemy fire in August 2010 while in Afghanistan and suffered injuries, but subsequently recovered from the attack. The city in October 2010 held a ceremony to honor him for this military service. 

Martin said she hopes the community will turn out to honor Cole.

"Even though he was injured, he went above and beyond to protect those who were with him," she said. "We are proud of him. It feels like he's part of our family.”