ACC Airmen donate shadowbox to enlisted widow

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  What started out as a simple request for a shadow box, switched to a project for two Air Combat Command Airmen, then bloomed into a keepsake of memories to be admired for generations.

Irma Cox, a Bob Hope Village resident and volunteer, was presented with a hand-made shadowbox containing medals, a flag and other military mementos of her late husband, Senior Master Sgt. John L. Cox, at the Air Force Enlisted Village March 18.

The box was donated by its makers, Senior Master Sgt. Roger Bloor, 53rd Wing, and Master Sgt. Kellee Ryan, 33rd Fighter Wing. Sergeant Bloor, an accomplished woodworker for 15 years, created the box and Sergeant Ryan, who'd created insets before arranged and designed the layout.

"This is something I've been meaning to do for a while," said Mrs. Cox, "but nothing as fancy as this. It's beautiful."

Mrs. Cox plans on giving it to her 16-year-old grandson in Texas.

Sergeant Cox was a 28-year Air Force veteran and B-52 tail gunner who served from 1950 to 1978.

"I can certainly speak for all of us who made this happen, it was an honor to make this for Ms. Irma with respect for her late husband, who came before us and served and paved the way for what we do now in protecting our nation and freedoms," said Sergeant Bloor.