Cole (DDG 67) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 97 text:

September 1, 1974 - October 12, 2000 ,Q-R, ..,.,.,,,,-,.- 1 ary G Swenchonis, Jr. Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr. was born on September 1, 1974 in Fort Hood, Texas to Gary Sr. and Deborah Swen- chonis. Gary attended Rockport-Fulton High School in Rock- port, Texas from which he graduated in 1994. Gary had hoped to begin a military career after high school, and so he enlisted in the Army for four years. Gary earned many train- ing certificates as a Logistical Specialist. He also earned many medals, including the Medal of Achievement, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifleman, Soldiers' Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his stint in the Army, Gary joined the Navy and received orders to USS COLE. Finally, Gary had found what he loved to do. Gary, who was known as Swiss on the ship, was excited about the upcoming deployment because of all the places he would be able to see. Fireman Apprentice Swenchonis had a short career in the Navy as an act of terrorism claimed his life on October 12, 2000. He was 26. Fireman Apprentice Swenchonis was posthumously awarded the rank of Fireman. FN Swenchonis was also awarded the Purple Heart by the President of the United States. Gary was very patriotic. He loved the Navy, loved his job, and loved seeing the world. Fire- man Swenchonis is survived by his parents, Gary Sr. and Deb- orah, his sister and brother-in-law, Shalala and Carlton Wood, and many other family members and friends.

Page 96 text:

OS2 Timothy L. Saunders August 20, 1968 October 12 2000 Timothy Lamont Saunders was born on August 20, 1968 to Betty Saunders. l-le was her only son. Timothy attended Dan River High School in Danville, Virginia from which he graduated in 1986. Timothy had been very involved in school activities. I-le sang bass in the school chorus. I-le was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farm- ers of America, and the Distribu- tive Education Clubs of America. I-le was a member of the wrestling team, the boyls track team, and he also played varsity football. Timothy's mother said that he had always dreamed of someplace big- ger than Ringgold, the small town where he lived on Virginia's south- side. Timothy realized that dream after joining the Navy on July 10, 1989. Timothy graduated from Basic Training on October 12, 1989 and then reported to his first ship, USS WISCONSIN QBB 64j, in the Arabian Gulf. Timothy would be stationed there until March 1992. Timothy mar- ried his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline, and became a father when his daughter, Isley, was born. The family moved to Vir- ginia Beach and, in April 1992 Timothy reported to USS ENTERPRISE QCVN 651. In 1993, a second daughter, Joce- lyn, was born. ln December 1993, Timothy reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON QCVN 73, and, in February 1996, Timothy reported for duty at Fleet Combat Training Center in Dam Neck, Virginia where he became an Operations SpeCialiST On July 9, 1999, OS2 Saunders reported for duty in USS COLE QDDG 671. On October 12, 2000, a terrorist bomb took the life of Timothy Saunders at the age of 32. OS2 Saunders WHS posthumously awarded the Pumle Heart by the President of the United States. Petty Officer Sain ders is survived by his wife, Jackle and their two daughters, Isley and Jocelyn, who reside in Virginia-

Page 98 text:

LTJ G Andrew Triplett IL' June 20, 1969 - October 12, 2000 Andrew Triplett was bom on June 20, 1969 in Macon, Mis- sissippi to Ree and Savannah Triplett. Andrew had four broth- ers: Fred, Kevin, Donald, and Wayne. Andrew was the third son in a house of five boys. Drawn, as he was known to family and friends, made the honor roll in school as a child. Drew graduated from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Mississippi in May 1987. A month after his graduation, Drew enlisted in the Navy. Drew attended Basic Training and Engineman UAH School in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of his schooling, he reported to USS SPHINX, homeported in Rodman, Pana- ma. It was on board this ship that Drew was advanced to Engineman Second Class. ln July 1991, Drew reported to SIMA New York for duty as the Leading Petty Officer of the ACSLR shop. lt was there that he was advanced to Engineman First Class. During this tour of duty, he met Lon-ie Diana Hen- derson, also a Navy Veteran, Drew and Lorrie were married on February 19, 1994. Drew reported to USS TICON- DEROGA, home orted . N - folk, Virginia in 191994. Uprdn or completion of his tour he - A-g4,5,L.,:'gL -151. 15 ' ,- 1 m fr - ,:-:.f.s..,:.,- .5 reported to USS HALYBUR- TON as the Leading Chief Petty Officer. Drew earned higi marks for his training in air con ditioning and refrigeration, diesel engine repair, and air compressor repair in the Navy. After much dedication and hard work, Chief Petty Officer Triplett was commissioned as an Ensign Lmder the Limited Duty Officer KLDOJ Program, and he reported to USS COLE as the Main Propulsion Assis- tant CMPAJ. lt was on board COLE that Ensign Triplett's thirteen years of service to his country would come to an end- On October 12, 2000, Ensign Triplett was in the Oil Lab dur' ing refueling ir1 Yemen when a terrorist bomb exploded alOHQ the port side of the ship. He was 31. Ensign Triplett had turned down private sector job offers because he wanted to stay in the military. Ensign Triplett was posthumously awarded the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. LTJG Triplett was also awarded the Purple Heart by the President of the. United States. Lieutenant JUYILOY Grade Triplett is survived by 1115 wife, Lonie, and their two daughters, Andrea and nah, who reside in Virgilila Beach, Virginia.