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Veteran Marine’s podcast preserves valor beyond the battlefield
news
July 3, 2024
Veteran Marine’s podcast preserves valor beyond the battlefield
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR, SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES,

SALLISAW – Andrew Cox, 46, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with a storied 25year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, isn’t content with leaving his legacy in the past.

Instead, he’s embarked on a new mission, one that honors the valor of veterans while preserving the crucial skills he believes are slipping away – the “lost arts” of leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

“The Lost Art” Podcast with Cox isn’t just a platform for storytelling; it’s a lifeline for veterans navigating the challenging transition to civilian life. As Cox crisscrosses the country in a motorhome with his wife, Karleen, and their two daughters, Madison and Tayla, his mission remains clear: to ensure that the bond forged in service endures long after the uniform is laid aside.

“I could only play my guitar and sing so much before I was looking for something more to do,” he said. “I was used to getting my hair cut every week and doing many other things before I retired.

Now, I get to enjoy my days getting to do what I want.”

After writing and completing his first book (The Lost Art of Fishing Stories), Cox begin preparing a nationwide campaign to get as many documented stories of our nations service men and women as possible.

“ I want to continue the camaraderie I had on active duty where I learned the value of being part of a team and the friendships that result,” he said. “There is no other bond better than the bond of a warrior with fellow warriors. This bond can be lost once a veteran leaves active duty and I’m trying to give this special bond back to my fellow veterans.”

Cox, a former resident of Vian, grew up in a blended household of eight siblings with a stay-at-home mom and a father who was a preacher and Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War.

He went on to play the drums at church and school, attending Oklahoma State University on a music scholarship. After realizing that he no longer wanted to be a teacher, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and later auditioned for the Marine Music Program. After being accepted into the program, he performed all over the world both as a drummer and a Drum Major, leading the band on the march.

Cox deployed to Iraq and wore many hats during his tenure. His journey took him from drummer to Drill Instructor, from performing for world leaders to saving lives on the battlefield, has imbued him with a deep appreciation for the bonds forged in service.

At Camp Pendleton with the 1st Marine Division Band, he continued performing drums for world leaders including presidents, congressmen, and military leaders from around the globe. In Iraq, he also had the opportunity to perform several times in country for dignitaries and the newly reformed Iraq Government.

“This appreciation turned into a mission after the father of one of my comrades died, never having an opportunity to share his wartime experience,” Cox said. “It spurred me into action, and after the deaths of my father and father-in-law whose stories also went untold, it gave me momentum.”

Now, with his podcast, Cox is ensuring that these bonds aren’t lost in the transition to civilian life. Through unflinching veteran stories, insightful discussions on the “lost arts” cultivated in the military, and practical advice from experts, his podcast serves as a beacon of hope for veterans seeking connection, understanding, and support.

Launched in November 2023, the podcast has featured over 50 episodes of veterans from various wars like

11B

Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

“The impact has been profound. Many guest veterans find the experience therapeutic and that sharing their stories has fostered deeper family connections,” he said. “Family members express gratitude for hearing their loved one’s service experiences for the first time, and many veterans report a positive shift in their outlook after sharing their stories.”

Cox said each episode centers on a veteran’s journey, from pre-service life to enlistment, wartime experiences, and the challenges and triumphs of reintegration.

“These stories are raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve,” he said.

The segments also feature what is called “Fireside chats with experts,” where they tackle critical issues that veterans face.

“Financial planning, healthcare navigation, mental health resources, and entrepreneurship are just a few of the topics covered by specialists who offer practical guidance and support,” Cox said.

For Cox, this isn’t just a passion project; it’s a duty – to honor the sacrifices of his fellow veterans, to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, and to preserve the invaluable experiences that shape our nation’s heroes.

The annual 4th of July Fireworks show
A: Main, news
The annual 4th of July Fireworks show
July 9, 2025
Eufaula’s population was swollen over the weekend as thousands of out-of-towners joined locals to watch the annual 4th of July Fireworks show, held Friday, July 4. The display took place over the Eufa...
A: Main, news
City gets more attorneys; OKs growth plan
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 9, 2025
New-and-former City Manager Jacob Foos continues to make changes at city hall. Shortly after being re-hired for the position he left in September, 2021, Foos issued a statement that he was establishin...
Local resident stars in U.S. Cellular ad
A: Main, news
Local resident stars in U.S. Cellular ad
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 9, 2025
In all of her 58 years Louana Christie, EHS Class of ’85, never thought she would appear before a camera. Movie making was for her older sister, Selina Jayne Dornan, former Eufaula mayor and who once ...
A: Main, news
Eufaula school feels the chill from Trump’s funding freeze
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 9, 2025
When the Trump administration announced this week it was freezing over $70 million in education funding earmarked for Oklahoma, it surprised a lot of administrators. Eufaula School Superintendent Mont...
A: Main, news
Trump freezes over $70 million in state’s education funds
July 9, 2025
States won’t receive funds from six federal programs, including after-school care and English learner support, until further notice. NURIA MARTINEZ-KEEL OKLAHOMA VOICE OKLAHOMA CITY — The Trump admini...
Noah Alexander trades football uniform for West Point uniform
A: Main, news
Noah Alexander trades football uniform for West Point uniform
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 9, 2025
Noah Alexander will begin his senior year at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., this fall. It seems like only yesterday he was a stand-out running back for the Eufaula Ironheads, ...
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Bud McCombs to speak to Friends of Library
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Bud McCombs to speak to Friends of Library
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 9, 2025
How Eufaula happened to exist will be Friend’s speaker’s topic at the Eufaula Memorial Library at 1 p.m. Friday, July 18, When Eufaula was only an intersection, the city’s founding fathers lived in a ...
news
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 9, 2025
CHECOTAH — Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service ...
Calls needed to protect National Weather Service operations
commentary
Calls needed to protect National Weather Service operations
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
July 9, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) extend our deepest condolences to families tragically impacted by the recent flooding in Texas. Flooding along the Guadalupe Rive...
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Jeff Starling launches campaign for attorney general
July 9, 2025
TULSA ––Jeff Starling, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, has officially announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Oklahoma. Starling is a conservative, attorney, businessman, and d...
Warriors of God, ready yourselves
commentary
Warriors of God, ready yourselves
July 9, 2025
Of my 56 years of being in this world, 50 of those years I have been filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I was only six years old when I attended my first Tiger Mount...
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