by Chuck Wisman

This past May, the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510 elected a new commander for 2025-2026. She is none other than Ericka Cole, a native of Stockbridge, who graduated from Stockbridge High School in 2005.

Cole was inspired to join the military after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the New York World Trade Center and Pentagon. She originally wished to join the Air Force and become a combat fighter pilot, but she was unable to meet the Air Force vision requirements. After two semesters of college, she joined the Marines as a combat engineer in 2006.

According to Google’s AI search engine, combat engineers “are versatile soldiers who facilitate the movement and survivability of other Marines by constructing, demolishing, and clearing obstacles. They are responsible for tasks ranging from building roads and bridges to breaching enemy fortifications and clearing minefields. They are also skilled in using explosives and demolition techniques to create or destroy structures and obstacles as needed.”

Sincerely wanting to support her country and fellow Marines, Cole volunteered six times for  overseas deployments. In 2008 she finally deployed to Iraq with a reserve Mortuary Affairs (Personnel Receiving and Processing) unit out of Georgia. Marines who serve in Mortuary Affairs respectfully prepare those killed in action for their return to Dover Air Force base in the U.S. Their services are also provided to the enemy and civilians whose lives are lost in military action.

Cole’s training included attending and observing an autopsy to ensure she could perform her duties during a time of crisis. She committed to not allowing any hard times break her spirit in anything she put her mind to, and pledged to “Stand tall and come out stronger than ever.” While deployed, she had the heartbreaking task of sending her best friend, along with personal effects, home to her grieving family.

“That almost broke me completely during my deployment, but my God is always with me in everything I do. I give Him all the glory.”

After more than 8 years in the Marines where she attained the rank of E5–Sergeant, Cole returned home to assist her mother who had a terminal illness. Although she loved the Marines and planned a return to duty, family obligations precluded a return.

As a single parent to Bryant, age 15, and Aviana, age 12, Cole manages and operates L & B Equipment Rental in Stockbridge, where she is in partnership with her father. L & B offers a variety of equipment for rent, ranging from generators and tools, to heavy equipment, including excavators, tractors, trucks and moving equipment. L & B also sells attractive nursery stock, including hanging baskets.

After her honorable discharge from the USMC, Cole subsequently missed her brothers-in-arms in the military. Six years ago, she joined the Mackinder-Glenn Post looking for the camaraderie she had while in the Marines. Last year she served as vice-commander, and this past May, she was elected commander. Since its inception in 1946, the Mackinder-Glenn Post has had over 50 commanders. Cole is one of the youngest commanders in Post 510’s history and its very first female.

In a nod to the feeling of “family” she experienced as a Marine,  Commander Cole emphasized she will work to make the Post as welcoming as possible. She recognizes that veterans vary greatly in their experiences and perspectives given their different wars and deployments and the span of generations from WWII, to the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, not to mention conflicts around the world outside of declared wars. Adding their varying personalities and age differences, veterans have a unique need for the support provided by the American Legion.

Another of Cole’s goals involves bringing the Legion closer to the local community and vice-versa. From the Legion’s perspective, that means more opportunities for college scholarships offered by the Post and activities that include families and their children in the community.

Cole admits it will be hard work but she’s looking forward to working with all parties within this local American Legion and the surrounding community to make it happen.

The Mackinder-Glenn Post is always looking for new members to join its family of American Legion veterans, Sons of the Legion, and the Legion Auxiliary. It takes a large and committed team to assist with Post 510’s many activities and projects supporting veterans and the community at large. If you’re eligible and interested in joining, please contact Cole, the Mackinder-Glenn Post directly, or any member.

The Stockbridge Community News congratulates Commander Ericka Cole on her election to this new role and sincerely wishes the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510, its members, and Cole the greatest success in their efforts supporting veterans and our community.

Note: If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, stop into Post 510. You might be lucky enough to find out how Commander Cole earned the nickname “Sergeant Mayhem”!