Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:45 | Growing up in Brooklyn, 9/11 was a turning point for Aaron Cox in his decision to join the military. When he graduated high school, he started his Army training at Fort Jackson.
Keywords : adapt focus New York City NY 9/11 September 11th enlistment enrolling Fort Jackson
After Advanced Individual Training, Aaron Cox shipped over to Kuwait and stayed there until their deployment to Iraq. After enjoying Kuwait, the transition to Iraq was a more difficult place to live, especially with all the added complications that came from war.
The routine of daily life in Iraq was difficult for Aaron Cox and his battalion and they had to work hard to get the task at hand done. Damage to their equipment was commonplace and something that they had to always be prepared for.
Working with the locals went well for Aaron Cox and his battalion. Having an open relationship with Iraqis was very beneficial for them.
Returning to the States after his first tour was relieving but difficult for Aaron Cox as he acclimated back to the U.S. climate. After time in North Carolina, he shipped back off to Afghanistan and found quite a few major changes between there and Iraq.
Aaron Cox remembers the measures they took to protect themselves at their base in Afghanistan. They always made sure to take precautions to prevent as much enemy fire as they could.
Aaron Cox remembers his last few days in Afghanistan and remembers feeling like it was the most dangerous for him and his battalion. When it finally came time to re-enlist after returning home, he decided not to.
