Brigadier General Cox was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, AR, in 1987 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in 1991. He received a Master’s degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas in 1998 and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2012.
Brigadier General Cox enlisted in HHC 1-114 Aviation in November 1988 and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry upon graduation from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Arkansas State University on July 12, 1991. After completing the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he served as a platoon leader in Company D, 1-153 Infantry. Brigadier General Cox served in several positions within the 39th Infantry Brigade, including Commander of Company B, 1-153, Operations Officer 39th BSB, Brigade Assistant S3, Brigade Intelligence Officer, Commander 1-153 Infantry and Commander 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Brigadier General Cox’s Headquarters assignments include Environmental Manager, Comptroller, United States Property and Fiscal Officer, National Guard Bureau and Construction and Facilities Management Officer, and Land Component Commander Arkansas Army National Guard. BG Cox currently serves as the Director of the Joint Staff Arkansas National Guard.
Brigadier General Cox’s military education includes Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Support Operations Course, Command and General Staff Officers Course, United States Army War College, Joint Commander Training Course and Dual Status Commanders Orientation Course.
Brigadier General Cox’s military awards and decorations include The Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Clusters, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Brigadier General Cox lives in Jacksonville, AR, with his wife, the former Melissa Priest of Jacksonville. They have two daughters, Allison Heffington and her husband, Austin Heffington; Jordan Eubanks and her husband, Dr. Colton Eubanks. He has one granddaughter Parker Heffington.