() – Marvin Cole has done it all. He’s served his country proudly and now he serves his community.

“I’m from Altheimer, Arkansas, go hogs. I retired from the military after almost 25 years, during my tour of duty I served as a quartermaster initially, up to 2010 and then from there, I was sent here and became a signaler.”

For Cole, serving his country has been a dream.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this country. I met a lot of phenomenal people, and been to a whole lot of places. Whether state side or in combat, it’s been an experience I’ll never forget.”

Now Cole helps his community by being on the board of directors of Building Unity in the Community.

“Building Unity in the Community is a 501C(3) non profit organization and our purpose here is to provide educational and charitable support to the community. We do a lot whether it’s mentorship or food drives, clothing drives or even college scholarships.”

Even though Cole is proud of what Building Unity in the Community has done, it’s not about the recognition.

“I don’t need the accolades, I got plenty of them from the military. I’m here to help, and let the work I do, speak for me.”

When Cole found out he was receiving the Salute to Service Award, he didn’t believe it.

“I don’t normally answer phone numbers I don’t recognize but this time I did, and she told me I’d been nominated for Salute to Service and I said ‘why’ and she said ‘because you deserve it, and like I said before, I don’t do this for accolades, but if you feel I deserve it, I will gladly accept.”

Cole’s journey has been a good one, and he appreciates all those who’ve supported him all these years.

“My wife, number one, my children, all the support they’ve provided me, a few people that are no longer here, I truly appreciate it, and everyone I’ve served with, It’s wonderful, thank you, thank you for allowing me into your space.