Chat with Gary Cox Jr., Non-Trad, 8/yr Marine Veteran!

Gary Cox Jr., is in his junior year here at OSUM.

 Gary is the USG Vice President, a member of the BMSA (Buckeye Military Support Alliance), Non-Traditional  and Psychology Club Student Organizations.

Gary has found that he is not only taking classes here but he has found himself immersed into being actively involved in these student organizations and as a leader among students here.  If our student organizations, the USG or BMSA or Non-Trad organizations need help, Gary is always there 

Gary is a person that if you want something done, need something done, he is the man.  His student life here has merged into an active OSU student in all aspects.  If you are looking for Gary on campus, all you have to do is look for his red 2007 Dodge Ram Cummins “Buckeye War Horse” truck on campus.

(Members of the Buckeye Military Support Alliance, an Ohio State Marion student organization, whose mission is to provide support to student veterans and military personnel overseas, take stock of a recent generous donation from Con Agra Foods of 120 cases of ACT II Butter Popcorn. The group works with Vets for Vets to collect personal care items, food, letters and more to distribute care packages to local veterans stationed overseas. Pictured from left are student member Gary Cox; staff advisor Sharon Gattshall, and student member Val Walton, April 2012.)

Last year Gary applied for the Inaugural Homecoming Court for The Ohio State University, Marion Campus.  Gary was elected by the student body to be one of three 2011 Homecoming Court male members.  I asked Gary how he felt about this experience and he replied:

“The experience was a great opportunity to network out with the other regionals and be able to make friends that you would never have been able to do as a basic student.  When I got out of the service I wanted to do what I couldn’t do in high school and I wanted to make the best of the opportunity I had in front of me.  I wanted to give back to the community that supported me through my service with the Marines.  College shouldn’t just be for a “traditional student”.  I wanted to show that it didn’t matter how old you are you can still do anything you put your mind to. Having the sights and sounds of that weekend, meeting football players, Archie Griffin, my first Skull Session, the OSU Marching Band, being at the Wisconsin game, just being there for the closing moments when OSU won was the cherry on top of an outstanding weekend!”

As the 2011 Homecoming Chair I want to thank Gary and the entire 2011 Homecoming Court for their time, effort and cooperation in all areas of a once in a lifetime experience for all.  Great memories were made.