Airman turns adversity into positive approach to life

by Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/5/2012 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Senior Airman Alex Cox started a life-changing family tradition when he joined the Air Force in 2008, but it wasn't the trend he started that changed his life.

His youngest brother, 21-year-old Aaron, joined the Air Force as a cybertransport technician. While Cox keeps in touch with Aaron as much as possible, there will always be a piece missing from their brotherhood - late brother Anton - a best friend to both.

Anton served as an Air Force airborne linguist and was fluent in three languages before his unexpected passing last year. As difficult of a time it has been for Cox, he represents a walking, talking version of adversity, always finding light in darkness.

"I don't let circumstances determine the outcome of my life," he said. "Bad things happen to everyone. It's about taking the opportunity to take charge of your life and make the best of all situations."

"Losing my best friend and my brother changed the way I view life. You only live once, and there is no reason to be afraid of trying new things."

His outlook on life transitions well to the job, where a positive and optimistic approach to his position as a 319th Air Base Wing emergency actions controller can mean the difference between life and death.

"What I enjoy most about work are the opportunities to make notifications that have the potential to save lives," said Cox, who is one of 10 controllers stationed here. "A quick and effective reaction to a situation can be the factor in completing a mission.

"As controllers we process emergency alert messages, coordinate between base agencies and act as a liaison between wing and MAJCOM to relay information; we are basically the hub for information for the entire base."

During base exercises or real-life emergencies, the tasks of the job can become very demanding and high paced, not to mention the 12-hour rotating shifts that keep the command post open on a 24-hour cycle.

"We have a great team working together here and we all get along great," he said.

For Cox, it is a lifestyle and career that he hopes has only just begun as he sets his sights high and said he hopes to someday work as a controller for the president of the United States.

"I want to go out and get the hardest and most coveted job in this career field," said Cox. "If you don't take chances in life, you'll always wonder what you missed out on. I don't want to grow old and look back at what I didn't do."