On May 5th, I lost a good friend, role model, and hero. 1st LT. Aaron David Cox died in a tragic helicopter accident during a nighttime training exercise. Aaron graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2005 and went on to pursue pilot training. How did I know him? I went to high school with Aaron, we swam together, we went to youth group together, and he drove me from school to swim practice everyday of high school until I had my own car. Aaron touched my life in so many ways. He could make me laugh no matter what situation we were in or what kind of mood I was in. He had the craziest facial expressions and little sayings. He had such an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up a whole neighborhood! Aaron was such an encouragement in swimming, in academics, and how he never ceased to give 110% in everything he did. He taught me the true meaning of the word, 'HARDCORE.' I remember every time our coach would tell us our main set at swim practice, we would all groan and complain, but Aaron never did. He would say things like, "We are HARDCORE!" or "Let's be HARDCORE!" or "They can't hurt us!" with a huge smile on his face. I'm pretty sure he taught me that it always feels good after you swim through the pain, and that it is OK to work so hard that you almost throw up. As most of you know, I am obsessed with country music. Well, it hasn't always been a favorite of mine. I actually hated country music until I began carpooling with Aaron and I was forced to listen to it. He would go through periods of several weeks/months where we would listen to one type of music and the same CD in that genre of music. In Aaron's car, I listened to music such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Hank Williams, Kirk Franklin, Nirvana, Brittney Spears, 2-Pac, Dave Matthews, Johnny Cash, and the list goes on and on. I went through a period when I had a little crush on Aaron, but that quickly changed as he became more of a big brother to me. He was so protective and always made sure I wasn't hanging out with any sketchy guys. From the first time I met Aaron, he always wanted to go to the Naval Academy. He would always do crazy physical training movements and assure us he was just being a 'Navy SEAL.' I truly believe Aaron achieved more in his 26 years of life than most people do in a lifetime! I got to fly home to attend his funeral, and without sounding to morbid, it was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. First of all, we had a huge swim team reunion party where we celebrated Aaron's life and told all of our funny stories about him. None of us dressed up very much for his funeral, nor did we wear all black, because Aaron had always said that he hoped no one would wear a tie to his funeral. So, his parents asked all the men not to wear a tie. That was how Aaron always was...he loved life and made every situation a celebration! Lastly, we had a ceremony outside after his funeral. Many Marines and his friends from USNA came dressed in their uniforms. They did a 21-gun salute along with the usual pomp and circumstance of a military funeral, but the most moving part (and I lost it at this point) was while they were folding the American flag to give to Mrs. Cox - it was completely silent until a rumbling in the distance began to get louder as 3 military planes flew directly over us. I was told later that it is normally 4, but they just flew 3 because Aaron represented the 4th one. His life and accomplishments were highly honored at his funeral, and I find comfort in the fact that he's partying right now in Heaven....
REST IN PEACE AARON - I LOVE YOU AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
**The Station Wagon**The broken clutch**Hot pockets**Prayer and a Biscuit**St. James Youth**Pine Cove**Your turd in the lake at Pine Cove**Nick's RV party at Maumelle Park**The Tick**Navy SEALS**Hardcoreness**GrapeNut Os**I'm sorry, Baby**Cheekbone dimples**LR Central High State Champs**LRAC Lasers Swim Team**Latin III and IV**Mrs. Ligon**Bell Bowl**Ummmm yeeeah**The spoiled milk, mustard, mayonaise, ketchup, chicken, beef, yogurt, coke, and real-life loogey mixed suicide drink someone dared you to drink**(and many more memories)......
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