ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- In the Air Force, being a good wingman is always at the forefront of essential Airman traits, it’s more than just a saying, it’s the fabric that binds the service.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sydney Cox, 28th Force Support Squadron wing development advisor at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, who spent her career caring for others as a medic, found her wingman-ship tested during the final months of her friend’s life.
When Cox’s career-long friend, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Troy Hall II, assigned to the First Air Force, Detachment 2 in North Bay, Ontario, fell seriously ill; she worked quickly to ensure he received the care he deserved.
Cox and Hall first met in 2011 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and served on the dorm council together. They instantly became friends and a source of support for each other. Their friendship grew through friendly competition, encouragement and an unspoken promise to keep an eye out for one another. They even sought to attain the Air Force’s highest enlisted rank: Chief Master Sgt.
Their careers eventually took them to different bases and deployments around the world, but they still stayed connected. Cox and Hall built a connection that traversed any amount of distance.
“You don’t have to be stationed together to care for each other,” said Cox. “You never know when you will need someone, even if they are thousands of miles away.”
In February of 2025, Cox reached out to Hall with congratulations about his promotion selection to Senior Master Sgt. Unfortunately, Hall notified her of his declining health and need of advanced care.
Cox immediately sprang into action; she utilized the network of medical professionals she had developed over her 14 ½ years of service. She also worked with Hall’s leadership to coordinate a medevac to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he could receive up to date care.
After months of complex care, Hall succumbed to his Stage 4 cancer and died in June of 2025, a loss that deeply affected Cox personally and professionally.
“Losing Troy hurt,” said Cox. “He was the kind of friend and wingman I’ve always strived to be.”
The actions Cox took during this difficult time did not go unnoticed and left a lasting impression on those around her.
“Cox is selfless, takes initiative, leads boldly and most importantly, she is influential across the installation and Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Shania Porter, 28th FSS Senior Enlisted Leader. “She went above and beyond the call of duty to support Hall and his family, setting aside her own emotions to ensure she represented the Air Force with dignity and honor.”
Cox’s dedication shows that the strength of the Air Force lies in the people who uphold its values every day. She exemplifies the professionalism and loyalty that define military service and reminds all Airmen to act, support the mission, and never leave an Airman behind.
“We always said we were going to be chiefs together,” said Cox. “Now I carry that goal for the both of us, it's going to be chief for Troy.”