This is a recurring column that highlights new VFW Post 3063 members. Comrade Cole Russell joined the post in May 2019.
What motivated you to join the VFW?
Giving back to the local community while also working with a respected national organization. It’s essentially the best of both worlds and enables its members to have an impact in both realms. That and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans of different backgrounds and generations.
What is your military background?
– University of Portland ROTC 2002-2007
– 12 years Active Duty USAF, Flight Test Engineer, 2007-2019, stationed in Eglin AFB, FL; Nellis AFB, NV; Edwards AFB, CA, and McChord AFB, WA.
– Washington Air National Guard, 194th Wing at Camp Murray, Cyber Officer, 2019+
Civilian job, education, family, hobbies, or anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
Civilian job: Amazon Web Services MVP Team supporting Government Contracts
Family: Mom and Dad in Bellevue, Wife (Carmin), Dog (Theo), Cat (Mr. Bigglesworth)
Hobbies: Mountain climbing (did Baker earlier this year, Rainier last year, Mt. Kilimanjaro the year before), Snowboarding, Crossfit, Yoga, and local breweries.
What do you hope to achieve being a member of the VFW?
I hope to use the skills I have learned in the military, my current position in the ANG, and Amazon Warriors (internal military group), to facilitate as much local outreach and veteran support as possible in the Seattle community.