Staff Sergeant Robert H. Cox Thousand Oaks Former Thousand Oaks resident Staff Sergeant Robert H. Cox, 28, was one of the heroes who was tragically killed in the crash of a KC-130 transport plane in rural Mississippi on July 10, 2017. Robert was born to Millard Cox and Paula Murrillo on May 11th, 1989, in Ventura, CA. Even at a young age, Robert had a passionate interest in working with his hands and problem solving, assembling model kits and sketching military-themed blueprints at home in his free time. He enjoyed playing airsoft with friends and going on family camping trips. He was a highly motivated, inquisitive child who absorbed information quickly. In high school, he signed up for the Delayed Entry Program to fulfill his dream of becoming a United States Marine. SSgt. Cox enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July of 2007. Robert attended combat training and communication electronics school, where he was promoted to Private First Class. He later worked as a radio operator during Operation Iraqi Freedom, at which time he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He served in overseas deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also conducted joint training exercises with the Estonian military in June of 2010. In 2012 he was promoted to Sergeant and attended the Joint Fires Observer course where he earned the title of Honor Graduate. After attending the MARSOC assessment and selection course in 2013, he attended the Reserve Sergeant's course in Quantico, VA, again earning the title of Honor Graduate. Upon graduating from the Marine Special Operations School's Individual Training Center in 2014, he attended the Basic Language Course in the study of Arabic and graduated in 2015. He also attended multiple training evolutions, including the Static Line Naval Parachutists Course and Exercise and Marine Combatant Dive Course. In 2016 he deployed to Lebanon in support of CNT operations. SSgt Cox loved his job and lived his dream every day. He received numerous decorations, among them the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, Combat Action Ribbon, and Selective Reserve Service Ribbon. SSgt Cox was most recently assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was a Critical Skills Operator. Between deployments and military courses, he studied anthropology at Ventura Community College, working toward a transfer degree. He enjoyed rigorous physical activities and would often go rock climbing when he wasn't studying, reading, or socializing with friends. Robert had an insatiable curiosity about the world and many more goals he most certainly would have accomplished. Though his life was cut tragically short, he made the most of his 28 years with us. Robert is remembered for his calm intelligence, friendly demeanor, and sharp sense of humor. Always modest and kind, Robert was a true "silent professional" in his duties. He dedicated his life to service and made the ultimate sacrifice for all his fellow countrymen. He was a brother of many and a friend to all. He is survived by his father, Millard Cox; mother, Paula Murrillo; younger brother, Eric Cox, and elder sister, Amber Cox.
