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Chief Bids Farewell

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy
  • The USAF Band
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Cox, a clarinetist and the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Concert Band, retired from the Air Force in June. Originally from Columbia, S.C., her career in the Air Force began in 1990 as a clarinetist with the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va. She served as principal clarinet with them from October 1990 until she won an audition for The United States Air Force Band in January 1997.

A 1983 graduate from Irmo High School in Columbia, S.C., Chief Cox went on to receive a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of South Carolina. Before joining the Air Force, she served as band director for Battlefield Intermediate School in Fredericksburg, Va. Chief Cox's former teachers include Doug Graham and Dr. Charles West.

Throughout her career, Chief Cox received numerous Air Force performance and education honors--including Band Airman of the Quarter--as well as Band Airmen of the Year for the Heritage of America Band. She was also recognized as the United States Air Force Outstanding Airman Bandsman of the Year for the Band career field. She was a Distinguished Graduate of Airman Leadership School as well as a John L. Levitow and Academic Achievement award winner at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

"I am so blessed to have been a member of this organization," the Chief said. Known for her polite "southern hospitality", the Chief always had an open-door policy with those who worked with her. Even up until her last rehearsal, Chief Cox would be one of the first people to enter the building in the early morning hours before a Concert Band rehearsal, preparing all of her music before most others arrived for the day.

One performance highlight of her career was the dedication of the Pentagon Memorial. That day had a special meaning or her. She said, "I am blessed because my husband walked out of the Pentagon on September 11th, and I think the memorial is extremely important to the family members of those who were lost in the attack. It symbolizes that we will not forget those who died there and we won't forget the importance of maintaining the safety of our nation."

Chief Cox's husband, Col. (ret.) Dean Cox, was also a member of the Air Force, serving in the Pentagon both as a military member and later as a civilian.

Another highlight was when Chief Cox was chosen as a soloist for the Fall 2009 Concert Band Tour, performing Amilcare Ponchielli's "Il Covegno" (along with Senior Master Sgt. Carl Long), throughout the southeast U.S.--including her hometown of Columbia, S.C.

Upon retirement, Chief Cox will move to her "dream home" in Alaska with her husband. Together, they will home school their children, Rebecca and Daniel.

The Chief's parting words for the Band were indicative of her kindness and caring that she showed throughout her career. She said, "I am honored to have served with each of you, and there is a standing invite to visit us. I wish the best to each of you and this organization."

Congratulations on a great career, Chief Cox! Thank you for taking care of us, and we wish you the very best on this new chapter in your life!