Veteran Spotlight: Josh Koch

It was high school where his dream of joining the United States military first started. Inspired to begin advancing toward his new dream of serving. However, Koch also wanted to go to college. Grappling with both a desire to attend college and join the National Guard, he sought out a recruiter from the National Guard for advice. 

“I ended up talking to a recruiter from the La Porte National Guard,” Koch said.

Not long after talking to the recruiter, Koch joined the military and trained with the National Guard. This all occurred not long before September 11, which ultimately sparked the War on Terror in which Koch would end up serving. 

“That was six months before 9/11,” Koch said. 

The training included AIT training, which Koch eventually regularly used in his main role as a member of the tactical team while fighting abroad in Iraq. 

While in Iraq, Koch visited multiple bases, one being Saddam Hussein’s former palace.

“The base we were on was one of Saddam’s old military bases,” Koch said.

In his role, Koch often escorted high-level officials throughout the war zone, including a battalion commander and a top official from the United States Air Force. While escorting officials, it was standard practice for one military member to serve as the driver and the other to serve as what’s known as the gunner, the individual who oversees the vehicle’s weaponry should the vehicle’s occupants come under attack by enemy forces. 

Today, Koch works full-time as a commercial lender at a local Kentland Bank. Koch is also fulfilling his other dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.

“I still have about 11 months left of schooling for my bachelor’s degree,” Koch said.

He’s completing his bachelor’s degree at Western Governors University (WGU). He earned his associate’s degree online in 2010 at Harrison College. 

Koch also actively gives back and has been doing so increasingly. He volunteers on his son’s trap shooting team as an assistant coach. He is also the President of the team’s board of directors.

“I’ve been getting more and more into volunteer work,” he said.  

As a member of the local Valparaiso Kiwanis Club, Koch also sits on many of the club’s committees. He is on both Kiwanis’ Wheelchair Ramp Committee, Veterans Committee, and the Veterans Appreciation Dinner Committee. Furthermore, he also serves as a mentor to veterans through the veterans treatment court. 

Koch and his wife have three children. They range in age from 13 to 17.

Koch’s service to our nation is nothing short of commendable and so is his service to the local Valparaiso community.