TAPS: CDR (Ret) Dan Cole, 66, Passes Away 14 August 2025

Dan was born on 15 August 1958 in Van Nuys, California to Bonnie Konantz and Douglas Cole. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served as an Intelligence Specialist for 32 years, rising to the rank of commander as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO), and retired on 1 September 2007.  During his Naval Intelligence career, Dan served on several naval vessels and on various military bases around the world. He also traveled extensively during that time, to Okinawa, Japan; Naples, Italy; Diego Garcia in Central Indian Ocean; Rota, Spain; and London, England.

Dan's military decoration include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corp Commendations Medal (4 awards an Gold Star), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation (5 awards) Navy Unit Commendation Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (4 awards), Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal ( 2 awards) Armed Forces Expeditionary, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Expert Pistol Medal, Kosovo Defense Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. 

After retirement, Dan and his wife, Carol, moved to Leavenworth in 2010. Dan enjoyed daily event debriefings with Carol, fishing, and hunting trips with his friends. Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Hanson, and son, Brandon Cole. He is survived by his mother, Bonnie Carrigan; stepdad, Tom Carrigan; sister, Karen Cole; daughter, Lindsay Cole; and grandchildren: Aidon Cole, Celes Cole, and Terra Cole. He will be missed by his family and friends.