The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) continues the tradition of honoring our servicemen and women by bestowing Crosses of Military Service. These are awarded to those veterans, who by faithful devotion and patriotic military service to our country in time of war have exemplified courage and loyalty, which reflect honor upon themselves as well as upon their Confederate ancestors.

On September 1, 2009 the Colorado River Chapter 2655 hosted a Crosses of Military Service Program honoring two descendants of Confederate soldiers. The ceremony was held at the First Baptist Church Youth Center in Goldthwaite. The ceremony was led by Judy McKinney, Chapter President and the medals were presented by Paula Ruder, the Recorder of Military Service Awards. Honorees were Mr. Robert Brandon Cox and Mr. Henry Carl Trimble IV.

Mr. Robert Brandon Cox, of Huntington Beach, CA, received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal for his service in Global War on Terror in Iraq with the US Marine Corps 2nd Tank Battalion 2000-2004. Robert is the third great grandson of Isaac Newton Cox who served the Confederacy from the state of Mississippi.

Cox served in the Army of Tennessee Co. A, 23rd MS Infantry 1861-1865. He was captured at Ft. Donelson, TN and was taken POW and incarcerated at Camp Douglas, IL. After he was exchanged, he was wounded at the Battles of Franklin and Atlanta before the surrender.

Mr. Henry "Hank" Carl Trimble IV, of Denton, Texas received the Meritorious Service Award for his service in the US Army as a medic during Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq. Mr. Trimble is the 3rd grand nephew of John Burdine Billingsley of Fayette County Alabama. Billingsley served the Confederate States of America in the 43rd Alabama Infantry Vols., Co I from 1862-1864.

These awards are a testimonial to individuals in the United States Armed Forces who are collateral descendants of worthy Confederate Soldiers or Sailors. The Colorado River Chapter is honored to bestow these crosses of recognition to such fine young men, both back from Iraq, after having served our country with pride, honor and distinction.