35 cents
VOL. 3/ISSUE 15
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015
Late Seabee, 104, given heartfelt Celebration of Life Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER
mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com
It was to be a birthday party for the late Chief Petty Officer and former Navy “SeaBee” Charlie Cox Feb. 4, but he died just days beforehand. The Indian River Veterans Council decided to turn mourning him into a Celebration of Life instead. In conjunction with its monthly meeting, the council gave a tribute, attended by Cox’s widow, Busilisa, and family and friends. The ceremony began with a speech by Bradley Scott, 12, Vero Beach, a League Cadet with the David McCampbell Construction Battalion (SeaBees) of the Navy League Sea Cadets, Melbourne. (Editor’s note: Please see a feature on Bradley Scott, and his “Change 4 Change 4 Vets” effort to help veterans in need, in the Jan. 22 edition of Veteran Voice.) Accompanied by his father, Mark, Bradley had most in the assembly moved and impressed. “I’d like to give thanks to the council for allowing me to speak today about Chief Petty Officer Cox,” Bradley said. “We in our battalion want to be just like him. We want to recognize a brother.” Bradley then read “The Old Salt,” a poem by Mac McDonald, which ends: “As I look up at night, I envision The Old Salt, a beret draped just above the eye, as he draws upon his pipe, quietly he waits. The guardian of heaven’s gate.” Bradley then explained his “vision” — with the help of the council — “to see that someday every Sea Cadet in the nation will collect change for our patriots.” Council Vice President Curtis Paulisin then gave opening remarks on Cox and his legacy. “He was the oldest veteran in Indian River County, and he was a hero,” he said. “Not only to our coun-
Staff photo by Mary Kemper Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar speaks at a Celebration of Life ceremony for the late Chief Petty Officer Charlie Cox, who recently died just short of his 105th birthday, at Vero Beach Veterans Inc. headquarters, Vero Beach, Feb. 4. Listening are, from left, Indian River Veterans Council Vice President Curtis Paulisin and Cox’s widow, Busilisa, and family and friends. “Anyone who knew him knew he was a real presence. He would command the room, and with his voice, he never needed a microphone.” Curtis Paulisin, vice president, Indian River Veterans Council ty, but also to his country and his family. “Anyone who knew him knew he was a real presence,” Paulisin said. “He would command the room, and with his voice, he never needed a microphone.” An invocation was given by Eric “Rip” Weiler, of the council. Former Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin Britt next paid tribute to “my friend, comrade and buddy,” whom he designated “an honorary paratrooper.” After a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Delores Chambers, the Colors were presented and “Taps” played by Duke Scales.
Paulisin introduced Busilisa Cox and family and friends who accompanied her. Fellow Seabee Bill Beyerle reflected on Cox’s life and career, and read a letter from national commander Jerry Landcastle, who wrote, “Chief Petty Officer Cox joined a brand-new battalion in World War II, and was thrust immediately into danger. “He had little military training, but skills (as an electrician) second to none.” Beyerle pointed out that Cox was in-
See CHARLIE page 6