Veterans Day is a time to honor all Americans who served in the U.S. military.
Robert Cox, the longest serving Northeast Community College president and a World War II veteran, was honored recently for his military service during a recent Nebraska football game.
“Dr. Cox,” as he affectionately is known to generations of Northeast students, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honored by Gov. Jim Pillen with a medal. A native of Thurston, Cox enlisted in the Army after his 17th birthday.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the governor and the Nebraska Department of Affairs are honoring the state’s living veterans of World War II with medals.
Cox served two years in the Philippines as part of the 738th Military Police Battalion. He was responsible for guarding and assisting Prisoners of War as World War II was coming to an end.
Cox and his wife, Helen Ann, were honored at the Nebraska and Northwestern game in Lincoln. They were shown on the Memorial Stadium big screens as Cox’s military background was announced.
The couple have been married for more than 68 years. Cox is the 163rd World War II veteran to be honored. He was given a standing ovation by many in the Memorial Stadium crowd.
Northeast students, faculty and staff were invited to stop in Union 73 on Tuesday, November 11, to write a thank you and sign a poster, showing appreciation and honoring all who have served.
Cox Honored
Robert Cox of Norfolk and his wife, Helen Ann, were visible on the big screens at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln as Robert Cox was honored for his military service.
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