Reverend Cole is a Veteran of the Second World War and is a Minister in the United Church of Canada. He is President and Padre of 125 (NFLD) Squadron RAF & Allied Air Forces Association, and an Executive Member and Padre of 150 (North Atlantic) Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada. Reverend Cole has been a highly active member of The Royal Canadian Legion since returning from overseas in 1946 and has served at various executive levels at ten branches of the organization in Newfoundland and Labrador Command. He is a former Honorary Colonel of #9 Wing, of the Canadian Forces Base in Gander. Reverend Cole served in the RCAF Air Cadet Program for 27 years, providing administration and training. As Padre, Reverend Cole successfully organizes and conducts numerous services for fallen comrades and during each Remembrance Day season devotes time in speaking to school children and service clubs, and participates in the Poppy Campaign.