ACCTS staff member Frank Cole  died on May 22, 2019 in Littleton, Colorado at the age of 76. Born in 1942, Frank enlisted in the Navy at 17, and met a chaplain who lead him to the Lord.  When his enlistment was up, Frank earned his degree from a Christian College, where he met his wife.  He then joined the Coast Guard, retiring as a Commander (O5) helicopter pilot in 1989.  Active in Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF) throughout his military career, frank also served in retirement with Christian Military Fellowship (CMF) and ACCTS, where he was instrumental in starting Chaplains Interaction.

I first met Frank in the fall of 1975, when we moved to Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.  We were assigned on-base quarters, and there were some issues to be resolved, so I went in search of answers, leaving my somewhat discouraged wife.  After I left, Frank knocked on the door, introduced himself, and told her that OCF had sent him a linkup card saying that we were coming, and would we come over for dinner and Bible Study.  As my w ife now recalls, seeing Frank's broad smile was like seeing the face of Jesus.  Needless to say, her discouragement turned to joy, and our time at Cape Cod was perhaps the most spiritually enriching of our 30 years in the service

In God's divine providence, Frank and I were assigned to the same duty section, remaining overnight at the air station to respond to calls for assistance.  There were 3 other pilots in our section, another Christian, a Mormon, and Frank' copilot, a young non-believer.  Our evenings were often spent discussing our faith and sharing our testimony and challenging the Mormon on his beliefs.  As the Holy Spirit worked on Frank's copilot, within a year were 4 Christians and a Mormon, known to the rest of the air station as the" God Squad."  When the young copilot's tour was complete, his remarks at his "Hail and Farewell" party consisted of "The best thing that happened to me at Cape Cod was finding Christ."  Because they often flew together, Frank played the primary role in leading that young officer to the Lord.

After Cape Cod, Frank and his family were assigned to CG Air Station Barber's Point, where ACCTS' executive director met him while serving with the Marines in Hawaii:  Here are his comments from a eulogy for Frank's memorial service: "Frank was a dear brother and a shining example of an encourager.  I first met Frank almost 40 years ago when we were all stationed in Hawaii.  Frank's reflexive cheerfulness was always refreshing and served as a model of Christian witness.  Throughout the years I heard nothing but encouraging reports from others whose lives you touched.  Frank served our Lord with joy and enthusiasm and had a special gift of connecting with individuals and making them feel accepted and important.  His concern about their welfare and personal relationship with Christ was a frequent reminder to us of what God has called us to be in ministry. We're grateful for the many years Frank has served with us in ACCTS."

Following Coast Guard assignments to air stations in Astoria, OR; Mobile, AL, and Arcata, CA, Frank's final tour was at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he played a key role in the development of future military Christian leaders.  Following his retirement, Frank and his wife attended  Capenwray Bible School in Carnforth, England to prepare themselves for further ministry.  As a member of the board for the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains IAEC, Frank traveled to many nations to organize and instruct in basic chaplain courses.  His broad circle of Christian brothers and sisters from these travels and from the international training events he participated in here in the US remember him fondly and many have shared their condolences upon hearing that God has called him home.

Frank was truly a man of God, whose selfless giving of himself over the years influenced hundreds to accept Christ as their savior and help them grow in their faith.  "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"