Personal experiences in Iraq back in 2003 for the initial invasion...

2. "Do something worth writing about or write something worth reading.”

3. "Do something worth writing about or write something worth reading.” –Benjamin Franklin

4. Eric, Ryan, and Russ…

5. Eric, Ryan, and Russ…

6. Eric, Ryan, and Russ… … single Marines that like to have fun on their weekends…

8. … then Eric meets Gabby… … and they begin dating.

9. … then Eric meets Gabby… … and they begin dating. Everyone becomes great friends.

10. They tour the Washington Monument together…

11. They tour the Washington Monument together… … they attend a gala at the Ritz Carlton.

12. 600 miles apart for the Holidays, he sends roses on Christmas Eve.

13. 600 miles apart for the Holidays, he sends roses on Christmas Eve. Days later, they ring in the New Year together…

15. Feb 6, 2003… … their last night together, an early Valentine’s Day.

16. Feb 6, 2003… … their last night together, an early Valentine’s Day. The 7 th , a dreary morning as everyone says “I Love You…”

17. … a day his Mother has feared most since he first spoke to a Recruiter as she now forces a smile…

18. … a day his Father knows all too well. The support of family is immeasurable… … a day his Mother has feared most since he first spoke to a Recruiter as she now forces a smile…

19. … some extra food and snacks for the journey…

20. … some extra food and snacks for the journey… … it’s almost time to go… … you have to laugh to keep from crying.

21. … one last hug . It’s hard to let go wondering if it’s your last…

22. … one last hug . It’s hard to let go wondering if it’s your last… … the words never seem to come out... … away they go, no one ever said “Goodbye.”

23. Leaving on a jet plane always sounded fun…

24. Leaving on a jet plane always sounded fun… … flying in style helps the morale... … at least for a little while.

26. Outside our tent in Camp Matilda, Kuwait Making friends with the locals who helped to set up our camp

27. Getting ready for WAR…

29. Rules of Engagement General Guidance: “ Don’t shoot anyone who doesn’t need to be shot. ”

30. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Courier-Tribune of Asheboro, NC and all of you who responded to this article by writing me your letters of support. It was one of the main things that kept my spirits high while there. I will be contacting each of you personally to ask your permission to publish the actual letter and/ or drawing that I received from you while deployed from Feb-Jun ‘03. Again, thank you for your support and may God Bless! Sincerely, Eric Cox

32. In the spring of '09 I will be releasing the book titled “CPL COX” in which I tell my story and experiences through the initial invasion of Iraq from Feb-Jun of 2003. I kept a daily journal while I was there with the idea of one day publishing a book for the world to read.

33. In the spring of '09 I will be releasing the book titled “CPL COX” in which I tell my story and experiences through the initial invasion of Iraq from Feb-Jun of 2003. I kept a daily journal while I was there with the idea of one day publishing a book for the world to read. I tell the story in real time and paint a picture for the reader to feel like they are actually there with me going through what I am going through. In addition, I am inserting the actual letters written and received while there to and from family, friends, and supporters. Anyone who went to Iraq or knows anyone who did or may go can relate my experiences to their own.

34. If you would like to learn more about the book or sign up for my mailing list please send a short email to [email_address] or a text message with your name and email to (704) 493-5981 Thank You