Staff report

SALISBURY — A young Rowan County woman who died in the 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole will be remembered at a service at 3 p.m. today at the VA National Cemetery Annex.

Hudson, Miller, Tatum Post 3006 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct a memorial service to honor Mess Management Spc. Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis of Woodleaf.

Francis, the daughter of Ronald and Sandra Francis, was one of 17 American sailors killed on Oct. 12, 2000, when a small boat carrying explosives ran into the Cole and exploded as the U.S. destroyer was refueling in a Yemen harbor. She was 19 years old.

The service today is open to the public. Greg Stafford, commander of the VFW in North Carolina, will be among the speakers.