The Cole Family

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Tyson Cole was determined to have a successful life, despite growing up in a town riddled with drug abuse. Two days after graduating high school, he departed for infantry basic training and began his life as a career soldier.

Tyson was first deployed to Kosova, where he climbed ranks by putting his soul into his craft. During his second deployment, he spent 18 months in Iraq where he served as the Brigade Commander’s personal security officer. His job was to ensure there were no imminent safety threats such as enemy contact, IEDs or small arms fire. While on a mission to meet an Iraqi general, Tyson and his unit heard a massive explosion. When they arrived to the scene, they saw a significant loss of American lives. This, coupled with other graphic wartime experiences left Tyson with significant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite these incidents, Tyson continued his service until 2012.

In addition to PTSD, Tyson was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) after being knocked unconscious by a 60mm mortar while in Baghdad. This resulted in memory loss, migraines and decreased abilities in reading and comprehension.

Tyson was awarded several honors during his service including the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and others.

While deployed to Korea, Tyson enrolled in a USO Pen Pal program, where he began corresponding with a woman named Jessica. After a year of exchanging letters, the two met in person and were later married in 2003. Together, they have three children and are currently living in Indiana.

Operation FINALLY HOME, along with Belman Homes, and several local supporters of the Operation FINALLY HOME in Wisconsin team, are thrilled to provide U.S. Army SFC Tyson Cole and his family with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.