Terry Cole was born July 8, 1951, in Talihina, Okla. He was raised in Bennington, Okla., until age 8, when he moved to Durant, Okla., to live with his grandmother and begin third grade. He continued his education there until graduating from high school in 1969.
Inspired by family members and a strong sense of duty, he joined the United States Air Force in 1970 after being drafted into the Army. On his brother’s advice, he enlisted in the Air Force to obtain a better occupational opportunity. He completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and later attended Tech School at Kessler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss. He served in the 3560th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, Web Air Force Base, where he trained T-37 and T-38 aircraft mechanics. He also served in the jungles of Thailand in Southeast Asia. Then, he returned to the States aboard a military transport plane carrying the remains of fallen soldiers from Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force with the rank of E-4.
Following his military service, he relocated to Big Spring, Texas, for a couple of years. He returned to Durant and painted horse trailers before beginning a long and distinguished career with the Choctaw Nation in 1994. He first worked at the Housing Authority and later became the first Historic Preservation Director, a position he held for 18 years. During his service, he received numerous commendations, including the prestigious National Historic Preservation Award presented by Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior. He established the “Bridge a Gap” program, collaborated with various governmental entities, and launched the Cemetery Restoration Program. He has worked with Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, to improve governmental relationships. He completed an Archeological CSI class to enhance his understanding and sharpen his approach to preserving cemeteries.
Mr. Cole was named the Elder of the Year in 2011 for District 9. He continues to serve his tribe faithfully by delivering meals to the elderly each Wednesday, assisting with lawn maintenance for elderly residents through the Housing Authority, and participating in the Honor Guard for the past 18 years.
He expresses deep gratitude to Chief Baton, Assistant Chief Austin, and James Dry for bestowing upon him the honor of being named Veteran of the Month.