News>Chief retires, continues to guide Airmen to success
Photos
910th Airlift Wing Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Kathy Cox, a member of the 910th Medical Squadon, clips an Air Force retirement pin on her husband Chief Master Sgt. Lou Cox Jan. 12, 2013. Cox retired from the Air Force Reserve after nearly 33 years of honorable military duty of which 15 years were served here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Brent J. Davis) (Released)
Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Joshua Cox, a firefighter with the 910th Civil Engineer Squadron, lights a ceremonial candle as his father, Chief Master Sgt. Lou Cox looks on during his retirement service Jan. 12, 2013. Cox retired from the Air Force Reserve after nearly 33 years of honorable military duty of which 15 years were served here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Brent J. Davis) (Released)
by Tech. Sgt. Valerie Smock
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
1/22/2013 - YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- "'He once took an IQ test and the results were negative,'" said Col. Denny A. Jobes, chief, Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program Management Division, Air Mobility Command, repeating a comment she once heard a colleague say. "It is interesting how he communicates."
Jobes was speaking about now retired Chief Master Sgt. Louis (Lou) A. Cox, 910th Airlift Wing installation emergency manager, during his retirement ceremony Jan. 12, 2013, at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS). She said Lou is someone who has a unique way of speaking to other people.
However, it's more than interesting comments that make up Lou. It's a lifetime of dedicated military service.
"Just like the end of a movie, you see the credits," said Jobes. "But with chief, his end credits are 33 years long and they are measured in TDYs, PCS without family and missed family events. It's an enormous sacrifice."
For the Cox family, it may have been a sacrifice that was a little easier to swallow. Two of his three sons are in the military; one of those sons is serving at YARS. His wife is also in the military and they met in the most unlikely of places.
"We actually met in the gas chamber," said Master Sgt. Kathy Cox, assigned to the 910th Medical Squadron. "I was the only female going through and I felt like I had something to prove. I walked in the room and I saw Lou. He had chocolate brown hair, blue eyes and a mustache. He was a hunk, but I thought he was cocky."
Kathy said she didn't think he would want anything to do with her, but as fate has it, he asked her out on a date. So what began as a cocky attitude and very little time spent together, soon blossomed into a proposal for marriage.
But a life of service doesn't just include the military. Kathy said Lou also serves at home.
"I don't have to do anything," said Kathy. "If I say I'm thirsty, he brings me a root beer. If I'm hungry, he brings me my dinner and a TV tray, as well. I'd like to say he is lucky to have found me, but I am really lucky to have found him. He's been my mountain and 24 years later he is still my mountain."
Many service members can agree with Kathy in saying Lou is a mountain. His colleagues said he shows true strength and dedication to helping others.
When Jobes was working at YARS as the Support Group commander, she hired Lou to join her ranks. She said she was very lucky to have him there to help.
"He said I rescued him, but that isn't the truth," said Jobes. "He actually rescued me. Lou was a giant and it was on his shoulders I stood. He is my superman."
Jobes said she had many reasons to think so highly of Lou. He was Emergency Manager of the Year and she said he truly emanated the 1.8 percent of the U.S. Air Force that makes chief.
Even though Brig. Gen. Brian E. Dominguez, commander, 910th Airlift Wing, only knew Lou for a short time, he said he saw great things in him.
"I would like to quote Ralph Waldo Emerson," said Dominguez. "'Nothing great in life can happen without enthusiasm.' He has passion and you don't have to be a rah-rah type to show it."
Lou said he will take that inner enthusiasm with him as he moves on with his life. Even though he retired, he will still be seen around YARS working as the installation emergency manager as a civilian.
"I don't think anything will change," said Lou. "The only difference is that I won't be wearing the uniform. It'll be harder to step back from things though."
Just as he did in the military, Lou said he will continue to strive to help people do their best.
"Lou wants to see everyone succeed and see everyone earn success," said Kathy. "Lou offers so much. You can't just say there is one thing. Lou is truly everyone's chief."
