Mr. August 2006

Hotties of the Coast Guard calendar

 '

Jetsam, aka Jet

Cole rescued her from the Long Island Sound, floating on a piece of debris.

Members of Port Security Unit 307 at work.

Played by Ken

Vitals

Name:  Grayson Cole Cleyburne

Nickname:  Cole; Hustler by his Coastie friends; Colby by Bren

Age:  34

Birthday:  October 15th, 1973

Sexual Orientation:  Heterosexual

Status:  Single

Religion:  Presbyterian (not practicing)

Chronic diseases/Other Illness:  None

Allergies:  Peanut Butter

Drinks:  Yes, socially (prefers white liquors and beer)

Smokes:  No

Illegal Drugs:  No

College:  Associate's Degree in Aviation Maintenance

Right/Left Handed?:  Right, but bats and plays golf left-handed

Favourite Feature:  His eyes

Least Favourite Feature:  His feet

Greatest Strength: A profound love of all life

Biggest Weakness:  Struggles against his own set of personal values; tries to fix everyone's problems

Biggest Fear:  That he won't find a soulmate to share his passions and dreams with

Most Common Misconception:  That he's a complete party animal and womanizer

Good Driver?:  For the most part...does have a bit of a lead foot though

Name Meaning

Grayson (GRAY sun):  from the Middle English greyre meaning "son of the steward" or "son of the grey-haired one"; pleasure

Cole:  from the Old English cola meaning "coal" or "dark one" and from Middle English meaning "victory of the people"

Cleyburne (KLA born):  meaning "born of clay"; either Loch Clay in Scotland or the Clee hills in Wales; derivative of the name Claiborne, a Scottish broadsword

Appearance

At 6' 3" and 186 lbs, Cole looks more like a professional athlete or model than a businessman and Coastie.  His body is solid and muscular (yet not overly so) due to strenous training in the Coast Guard and a daily fitness routine.  He likes to stay fit, but isn't obsessed with it.  He has a very confident appearance, although he also seems not to be in a hurry sometimes.  All his life he's been told he's handsome...often sexy...but he's never been one to buy into his or anyone else's vanity.  He's experienced too much in life to let his looks control his ego and vice versa.  He speaks with a noticable Southern accent which he's not at all ashamed if. 

Cole usually keeps his light brown hair short, but will let it grow out from time to time for styling (until he gets too lazy to mess with it).  He almost always has a neatly-trimmed stubby beard present and will only clean shave for special occassions.  Cole thinks his best seen physical attribute are his piercing gray-blue eyes. 

He does have one tattoo he got before shipping off to the USCG.  It's a Celtic cross on his upper left arm.  As far as scars, Cole has two:  a two inch scar just above his right elbow and another two inch scar on his inner right thigh (don't ask).

Cleyburne dresses for comfort in normal everyday interactions.  He likes t-shirts and button-up long sleeve shirts and rarely tucks them in.  Jeans are a favorite, either relaxed fit or straight-cut.  If you find him in the hardware store, its a good bet he'll be in jeans and a tee, usually with a button-up covering it and the sleeves rolled up.  Jogging and windpants in the winter on the work-out days---shorts in the summer.  When it comes to style, Cole has a couple of suits and sports jackets...but he sticks to the blacks and grays.  He's not afraid to get gussied-up for certain occassions, but he's a little out of his element when it comes to fashion.  Footwear...simply put, Cole loves Wolverine hiking boots.  Doesn't matter what attire...he's got a pair that'll match.  The mid-top sneakers he saves for jogging and sports.

He learned a longtime ago on the cold New England Atlantic that heavy parkas are the best coats.  Browning and LLBean are personal favorites.  Occassionally, you can catch him with a ballcap on...but it's almost always Coast Guard related.  For underwear, Cole prefers boxers or boxer-briefs---but sleeps unashamedly in the nude (except for his dogtags).

 Outfit for July 3rd

Personality

Cole likes to think that he's complex only in his simplicities.  He's very laid back most of the time and easy-going.  Not a lot upsets him, yet those things that do tend to be really annoying. He doesn't need much to make him happy.  Material wealth and fame are no substitute for lasting relationships and a clear conscience.  He cares little for money or possessions (although his father left him plenty of both)...it's just stuff you have to have.  He's pretty confident in the person he is and in the life he chose.  Serving in the Coast Guard has become a passion for him as he loves the satisfaction and thrill from it.  Cole is both proud and honored to be serving his country, although he is at issue often with the government that runs it. 

Socially, Cole is out-going and friendly enough...although he choses his friends carefully.  Once he's made a friend, Cole is very loyal and supportive of them.  He doesn't thing twice about putting his own problems aside to be there for them.  While that has served him well for the most part, he was also been burned a couple of times.  It's important to him to have people around that he can project his feelings upon.  When he's around people he's comfortable with, he can be very playful and jocular.  Despite all his good-looks, Cole would much rather have people like him for his character.  The people he enjoys being around usually share his interests, but he's also intrigued by those who are passionate about things he's not normally interested in.  He doesn't like big crowds, preferring small social situtations thay allow more personal interaction.

Cole likes to think he has a clear-cut set of personal values, but he will often find himself struggling against them.  He tries hard not to force them on others or be judgmental.  He's self-reliant to a certain point and will sometimes seclude himself as a means of self-reflection.  He's naturally curious about things and likes to try new experiences.

Personal History

His Timeline

Cole Cleyburne was born at the Medical University of SC in Charleston, the first of two children for Walter and LeAnn Coker Cleyburne.  His father owned and operated a successful building contracting business, while his mother was a housewife.  Cleyburne Construction (est. 1971) specialized in post-disaster rebuilding, something that was in high demand along the hurricane-prone East and Gulf Coasts.  It handles both governmental and private business contracts.  The family lived on James Island, just across the Cooper River from the city of Charleston.  Even very early into life, Cole was already being taught important values by his parents.  His father was a bit demanding on him and was firm believer in the "tough-love" approach to parenting.  His mother, on the other hand, was very much a compassionate woman.  She dolded on him when his father would not. 

Cole, therefore, was being taught to be self-reliant and aware from his Dad and the importance of family and friends from his mother at an early age.  Walther wanted him ready for the hardships before him, while Mom wanted him to experience the good things in life.  Regardless, he was taught manners and respect...and not just for others, but for himself as well. 

Two years after Cole's birth, his brother Logan came along.  The two where very close through childhood, with Logan being the typical baby brother---always wanting what Cole had and following him around.  The two had their share of brotherly spats though the years, but Cole never minded having his brother around or spending time with him.  Life on James Island was mostly outdoors, given the seclusion of the Cleyburne home.  The boys spent hours of each day out in the woods, swamps, and tidal creeks in and along the property.  Hunting, fishing, and swimming were favorite pastimes, as was boating when they were a bit older. 

Cole attended Calhoun Elementary School up until the age of eleven.  He was an above-average student, but never acceled due to his varied interests outside of school.  He played small-fry and little league baseball and football and took up playing the trumpet.  During the summer months, he tagged around with his father---who was all too keen on teaching the younger Cleyburne the family business.  In 1982, his father began renting a home along Charleston's famous "Rainbow Row" and Cole began spending a lot of time in the city itself.  He loved Charleston---it was an old city full of interesting history and he spent many weekends soaking in the sites. 

One thing about Charleston that his parents didn't like were the oppressive summers, so every year the family took vacations.  On a trip to Martha's Vineyard one year, they passed through Pleasant Port and instantly fell in love with it.  Cole's favorite thing about the town was it's beaches and lighthouse.  No visit to Connecticut was complete without a trip or two to the lighthouse. 

In 1985, Walter sold his ownership of the business (but not the interest) and he and Julia decided to move to Pleasant Point for good that summer.  Although he hated to leave Charleston, Cole saw the move as a new adventure and the family settled in their new home on Salem Road.  His parents opened a real estate agency in nearby Belleville.  He would attend the local schools and was very active in extracurricular activities. 

The relationship between father and son had began as a very tight bond, but into his teenage years Cole began to want less and less of what his father had planned for him.  The elder Cleyburne became increasing insistent on certain matters of his son's life.  By his senior year in high school, the rift was irreparable.  Cole joined the USCG on his 18th birthday and set out on his own path.  From then on, their relationship never really improved--although they remained civil to one another.  Walter died in 1998 of a heart attack and to this day, Cole regrets not making amends.  He prides himself on remembering the life lessons he did manage to learn from his father.

His relationship with his mother was quite different.  Julia was raised in a more Christian-based family and she was a devoted and understanding soul.  Although a loving wife, she often took Cole's side in his disagreements with his father---or at least mediated them.  He credits her for his compassion and love of nature.  Julia sold the Cleyburne home in 2003 and returned to Charleston to be with her ailing father, Zeke.  Thanks to sound financial planning by her husband, Cole's Mom is set for the rest of her life.

Unlike Cole, Logan was spared his father's overbearing attempts at guidance.  He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and currently lives in Providence, working as a logistics engineer for the city.  The brothers get together every chance they can.

Cole's interest in the Coast Guard was intitiated during a field trip to the Academy at New Haven.  The stories of daring feats of livesaving appealled to him.  After watching a demonstration of a helicopter rescue, he knew he wanted to be a Coastie.  After his basic training in New Jersey, he attended an "A" school for rescue swimmers.  The competition for the aviation survival technican billets was fierce and the training demanding, but Cole kept at it.  Finally in 1995, he was assigned to the USCG Air Station in Elizabeth City, NC. 

Later he served at the USCG Search and Rescue Station at Pensecola, FL.  He had a distinguishing career.  Unfortunately, the constant physical and mental demands---coupled with Cole's inability to avoid rather "entangling" relationships---finally burned him out.  In 2004, he left the active Guard for the Reserves, taking a position as a port security specialist...as only active-duty personnel were given aviation jobs.  He was deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of a Port Security Unit until the following year, when Cole decided to settle down a bit.  He was able to secure a billet at Station New Haven and he returned to Pleasant Port to live.

Cole used his GI Bill to get his associate's degree in aviation maintenance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2000. 

Through the Ages

Living Situation

Address: 20 Boardwalk

Lives With: Best Friend, Ethan Hauer and Jetsam

Lives in town since: Originally born in Charleston, SC, Cole moved with his family to Pleasant Port when he was eleven.  He left again in 1992 when he joined the Coast Guard.  He returned in 2005.

Transportation

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28...lovingly restored, of course 

2002 GMC Sonoma

Job

Job:  Manager of Williams Hardware

Schedule:  TUES--FRI:  9am to 5pm

                 SAT:          9am to 2pm (except drill days)

Cole is known to stay late at work when needed.  He enjoys working and likes to keep busy.  The store has a very relaxed atmosphere...very customer-oriented and rustic.  Most of Cole's knowledge of hardware comes from his father and his duties in the Coast Guard.  He can talk PVC fittings one minute and hammers the next with little disruption.

As a reservist, Cole spends one weekend a month and two weeks a year serving his country.  Typically, he will be at CG Station New Haven for duty.  Training, however, may take him anywhere from New London, CT to Yorktown, VA.  He may be called to duty at a moment's notice for long deployments as it was during Tropical Storm Alberto.  The Port Security Unit he's assigned to is also deployment-ready to spots all over the globe.

Schedule

You Can Find Him

The Beach	The Hardware Store
The Pier	The Fun Bar
The Sports Club	The Pool
The Pool Hall	The Atlantis Club

Stuff He Uses Daily

Cell Phone	Weights	I-pod
Jet's Chew Toy	Multi-tool	Diver's Watch

Facts

• Cole is an Eagle Scout and has been thinking of starting a troop in Pleasant Port for a while. 
• He was an All-Conference 1st Baseman in high school.
• He has substained a few injuries as a rescue swimmer, including a broken collarbone.
• Cole's been working to restore the lighthouse when he has time.
• He took part in the Big Brothers Program when he was stationed in Elizabeth City for a couple of years.
• Cole has a rotary-wing pilot's license (helicopters)
• Cole took over the coaching duties of the town's coed softball team in 2006 and lead them to a respectable third place in 2007. Next year, he sees the team being legitimate league champs.  He also plays 1st base.

Family

Logan Cleyburne (brother):  Two years younger than Cole, Logan is a logistics engineer in Providence, RI.  The two are very close.  Logan will visit every couple of months or so as he sees it as a bit of a homecoming each time.  Even growing up, he hung out with his older brother and wanted to follow Cole into the Coast Guard.  Luckily, Cole convinced him to go on to college instead.  There is a little hero worship toward the elder Cleyburne...which Cole vigorously downplays.

LeAnne (Coker) Cleyburne (mother):  Cole's Mom is a very religious individual and has been devoted to her family all her life.  She is a very loving and compassionate woman, with a fondness for nature in general.  She left Pleasant Port in 2003 and returned home to Charleston.  Her only gripe with Cole is that he never goes to church.

Friends

• Ethan Hauer:  Cole meet Ethan at an inter-service softball game in 2000 and they became fast friends.  When Ethan left active duty in 2002, Cole suggested a coaching position at the local community college in Pleasant Port.  When Cleyburne returned to town, the two became roomies.  Each of them have a laid-back, easy-going style that fits together quite well.  In fact, most people think they act like teenagers with their constant wise-cracking jokes and love of partying.  They're both, however, passionate about serving their country.  Any conflicts or indecisions between the two are handled by the "Mystical Game of Darts", which each abides by win or lose.  Ethan is the only person that Cole completely confides in.
• Lauren Jacobsen:  They meet on the beach soon after Lauren returned from college in May 2007.  Often, they will see one another at the Atlantis Nightclub and hang out on the beach by Cole & Ethan's house.  Cole found her to be a fun person to be around, very attractive, and they playfully flirted often.  He began to have feelings for Lauren and asked her out on Christmas Eve 2007.  After the infamous kiss with Jackie, his relationship with Lauren was in question.  But she did forgive him and they dated for six months until Isabella stepped back into his life.  Having feelings for both women, they agreed on a mutual break-up at the beginning of June 2008 until he could figure out who and what he wanted.
• Miko Ronin:  Cole and Miko are avid swimmers and met a few months ago at the pool.  Since then, he calls her his "swimming buddy" and they met once or twice a week.  He knows a little of her past, and admires the character it took for her to to get to where she is today.  Cole at times thinks of her as a sister he never had, although he can't deny a different attraction.  She's the only person that Cole doesn't mind using his first name, which she kiddingly pronounces Gray-San.
• Amy Salinger:  Amy and her sister Carrie were two of Cole's first friends when he moved to Pleasant Port at age 11.  They all lived on Salem Road, which the Salinger sisters and Cleyburne brothers seemed to turn every inch of into their own personal sporting arena.  Carrie was Cole's first sweetheart.  He's always considered Amy a little sister he never had, always protective of her and keeping track in one form or another.  When together, they act more like the kids they were growing up---Amy is "one of the guys" most of the time.  Different in many ways as to their backgrounds and outlooks toward the world, they nevertheless remain the closest of friends---usually the first to share each other's successes or difficulties in life.  She's always been a positive and inspirational influence on him, even though he'd never admit that (until recently that is).
• Scott Archer:  Cole and Scott first meet in early 2007.  They frequented many of the same bars together and hung out on the beach during the summer.  He enjoys Scott's seemingly never-ending happiness and out-going behavior.  He knows Scott is bi-sexual, but it doesn't bother him because they both know where the lines are drawn.  The guy is just fun to be around.
• Brendan Wright:  The Wright and Cleyburne families were very close soon after the latter moved to Pleasant Port.  The children, despite some age differences, did got along well together.  Cole and Brendan had similar interests in the Scouts and sports, but it was just the general nature of kids playing together (along with the Salinger sisters) that made them somewhat close.  Even after Cole left for the Coast Guard, after he found out Bren had joined the Army, the two kept contact via e-mail and the occassional call.  Bren calls him "Colby", a nickname that has stuck since they were younger. 
• Nathan Covington:  It took a while for Cole to warm up to his neighbor and Ethan's golfing buddy. But they found some common interests in sailing and other watersports, and now he's over once a week for cigars and poker. Nathan has been trying to get Cole to sell him the Camaro, but no dice.
• Isabella Hogan: Cole's ex-girlfriend.  He began to date Izzy in April 2006.  She was the first woman since Renee that he tried to have a meaningful, lasting relationship with.  They fell in love, but Belle couldn't handle the commitment they were making and they broke-up in May 2007.   He's always felt that the failure was just desserts from his past transgressions with women.  Even though they try to be friends, they haven't seen much of one another and there is always a lingering tension when they do.

Acquaintances

• Andrew Baker:  With the house remodeling Andrew is doing, he's spent a lot of time at the Hardware store.  Cole has been helping him with chosing materials and tools for the job, as well as advising him on some remodeling techniques.
• Travis Collins:  Cole knows him from the Fun Bar, and that he and Scott are friends.
• Fletcher Montgomery:  Fletcher frequents many of the same places as Cole does, and they've played pool together a number of times at Eight Balls.  Cole's noticed his Southern accent, but has never said anything about it as the guy is a bit opinionated.
• Leon Doherty:  A regular at the hardware store, the otherwise reserved Leon likes to talk to Cole when he comes in, as both have a knack for tinkering with things to fix them or see how they work.
• Georgina Patrick:  Cole met her at his and Ethan's Christmas Eve party. He knows she'd friends with Miko and lives with Lara, an old girlfriend of his.  All three live down the street from he and Ethan.
• Natasha Simons:  Nat and Cole have hung out together in various bars.  Cole thinks she is adorable and fun...but also admires her for taking care of her sick mother.  He tries to help her out occasionally when he can.
• Corey Lindaugh:  Corey and Cole play softball together and like to talk sports a lot, especially baseball.
• Wes Covington:  Cole knows him through his brother Nathan.  Sometimes he kicks in with Cole, Ethan, and Nathan when they pal around.  They are also neighbors.
• Estela Russell:  Estela was Logan's girlfriend for sometime.  Cole met her several times on his visits home from duty.  After she broke his brother's heart by cheating on him, Cole had very little to do with her.  Since Logan has moved to RI and past her, he asked Cole to at least be civil to her and he is.
• Ian Mace:  Cole met Ian in the hardware store in early Dec. 2007 and helped him pick out tools.  He's also seen him at several of the clubs.  His OK in Cole's book...although he does seem to be secretive.
• Josh McKinnon:  Cole and Josh play softball together and sometimes take a swim in the pools.  He likes the guy, but he's also a little envious of Josh's "perfect" life and family.  He also knows Josh's wife Luci well.
• Domitrae Francis:  Cole has known Dom for sometime, since they were kids.  He and Bren were good friends and so Cole was around him a lot.  He's one of Cole's regular customers at the store and they both like to talk old cars.
• Musette Gowan:  Unfortunately, Cole met Muse under the worst possible circumstances when he stopped her from being raped in Farmer's Park in May 2008.

Enemies

NPCs and Inactive Characters

• Lara Holder:  She and Cole dated during high school and right up to the time he left for the Coast Guard.  It was very much young love at the time, but Cole felt he had to get away from his father.    Her "going away" gift to him was her virginity. They tried to make the relationship work, but couldn't.  When she returned to town, time and life experience and changed them both, so they decided to just remain friends---although Cole has seen very little of her since she works out of town.
• Caroline Gordon:  Caroline and Cole went to high school together and were friends during that time. They became reacquainted on Christmas night, after they ran into one another on the boardwalk.
• Jacqueline Sanders Both dog lovers, Cole met Jackie at the Dog park in mid-2007.  He also knew her from working at Ocean View and chatted with each other often enough, until she left town.  In Dec. of that year---while trying to help her overcome her issues with Alex---he kissed her in the spur of the moment.
• Pete Bland - Pete and Cole have been friends ever since he returned to town.  They are both sports nuts and pull for the same teams.  Pete talked Cole into taking over the Coed Softball Team.  He also plays with him and his wife Corinna.
• Martin Law

Music He Listens To

Other Characters Talk

Amy Salinger:  "I consider myself lucky to have had quite a few amazing friendships in my life, many of which have changed as I've done my wandering--some fading, some growing stronger. But the one friendship that has remained constant and perhaps has even flourished the most over the years has been the one I have with Cole. It is for this reason that I feel he has become my very best friend and often the depth of that friendship is something I cannot fully put into words, mainly because it is what it is; No other explanation is needed."

Scott Archer: "Cole is one of the sweetest people.  He never seems to have a bad word to say to anyone, and he's very accepting of people for who they are."

Life

Likes:  Women ("The most beautiful creatures put on this Earth."), people that can think for themselves, passionate people, "old things" (antiques, classic cars, old coins, etc), nature, the ocean, long walks anywhere, saving lives, 

Dislikes:  Large crowds, people with little common sense, cauliflower, greedy corporations, men that don't respect women, reality TV 

Favorite Film:  Cole is a sucker for a good Western.  His favorite is The Outlaw Josey Wales.  Also likes war movies. 

Favorite Actor:  Chuck Norris

Favorite Actress:  Teri Hatcher

Favorite song:  He has a wide interest in music, but he loves metal because it is an outlet for his anger.  "Five Minutes Alone" by Pantera is probably his favorite.  

Favorite quote:  "Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open."--Elmer G. Letterman 

Favorite Foods:  Cole is a meat and potatos kinda guy, seafood, watermelon, sweet potato pie, porkskins

Favorite Color:  Bright CG Orange (just kidding)....Blue

Love Life

Status:  Single, just broke up with Lauren Jacobsen

Crush:  Has had them...though none at the moment

First Kiss:  Carrie, Amy Salinger's older sister (age 13)

Longest Relationship:  Renee, in Pensecola...lasted a year and a half.

Ever Had a Broken Heart:  Yes

If You Want to Win His Heart, You Have to Be:  True to yourself, passionate about life, and match his ability to love

3 Things He Can’t Stand in Girls:  Obsessed with looks, too much make-up, and being overly dramatic

Does He Believe in Love At First Sight:  Not really

Virgin:  No

When Did He Loose His Virginity?  At 16, under The baseball field bleachers

For Him, Love Is?

For Him, Sex Is?:  A blessing...because it gives him a physical way to express himself AND a curse...because it gets him in the worst trouble. 

Questionnaires

What Makes You...

...Joyfully smile?:  Rescuing those in need

...Laugh out loud?:  Stand-up comedians

...Get on the dance floor?:  The right song...and having a big bootie rubbed against my crotch helps

   too.

...Cry your eyes out?:  At times...thinking of Renee

...Really sad?:  Seeing children suffering

...Smirk?:  Ethan's stupid jokes

...Hide in a corner?:  Thinking about how he could've patched his relationship with his father.

...Turned on?:  A very confident woman

What is...

...Something about you that no one knows?:

...Favourite board game:  Darts...well it has a board.  Ok, RISK

...Your most prized possession:  Cole has a small trunk that he keeps several items in, including a

   blanket knitted by his grandmother; his grandfather Cleyburne's pocket watch (handed down); various

   pictures, letters, and newspaper clippings about himself, family, and friends; an engagement ring he 

   bought Renee, but never gave her; his Eagle Scout medal; a picture of him and his "little brother" that

   Greg drew in crayon; a St. Christopher medallion, given by a father and son he rescued; his rigging

   knife he got for completing CG Basic Training

Awards 

Best Character in Romance Threads Spring 2009

Most Interesting Character Spring 2009

Most Popular Character Spring 2009

Best Friends Spring 2009 (with Amy)

Best Male in Drama Threads Summer 2009

2nd Place Male in Romance Threads Summer 2009

Best Couple Summer 2009

Best Friends Summer 2009 (with Ethan)

Best Humor Plot Summer 2009 (tie)

His Secret

Cole's relationship with Renee began as an affair, and although they were very much in love, noone wanted to see the two happy.  Everyday was almost a constant struggle for them to be together, but it made them even more determined.  After she became pregnant, Renee was diagnosed with ulvarian cancer---and she and Cole lost the baby.  She would eventually get better, but the experience devestated her and she ultimately left Cole after almost two years together.  For several years afterward, Cole cared little about emotional attachment and a lot about sex...leaving many broken hearts and at least one additional broken home in his wake.

Eventually, Cole realized he did not like who he'd become and that he'd tossed aside his own values.  To this day, he still regrets those decisions and yet still struggles between his demon and what he believes is right and proper.  At least, he thinks he regrets them...  His failed realtionship with Isabella had really confused the issue, given everything he'd put in it to make it work.  Now, he's trying again....

Celebrity Used 

Paul Walker