#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Nathan Matthew Cox

Nathan Matthew Cox of Davenport, Iowa, was born September 30, 1975, to Les and Jane Cox. He attended Davenport Central High School, but detested school, despite his intellect, dropping out to complete a GED and join the Army.

Cox attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and soon served in Bosnia in the mid-1990s. He enjoyed traveling Europe and to Budapest in his free time.

After returning home, he attended Scott Community College and later St. Ambrose University. His restless spirit led him to many different jobs and career paths, sometimes weekly. He married Annette “Annie” Madden on July 15, 2005, in Eldridge, Iowa. They had a daughter, Sophia Grace.

At 29, Cox reenlisted in the Army and decided to make it a career. Stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he served for a year in Iraq. He deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in July 2008, with Viper Company (B), 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Its nickname, “Blue Spaders,” is taken from the spade-like device on the regiment’s distinctive unit insignia.

On September 20, 2008, Cox died from an IED blast in the remote Korengal Valley. Today, this area is called The Valley of Death. Also killed was 18-year-old Joseph F. Gonzales of Tucson, Arizona.

Cox received many awards during his 11-year career, including the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, which were awarded posthumously, and given to his wife Annie at his funeral. More than 1,000 people attended his visitation. Cox now rests in Section V, Row 0, Site 200 at Rock Island National Cemetery. Honor his service at his virtual Veterans Legacy Memorial page.

This #VeteranOfTheDay is from the Veterans Legacy Program. To learn more about the VLP, our partnerships and how we share the stories of Veterans in our national cemeteries, please visit the VLP webpage.