Veteran Spotlight - Josh Koch

Honoring Service: Koch’s Journey from High School Aspirations to Community Leadership

Koch’s path to military service began in high school, where he first felt called to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Even as he imagined a future in uniform, he also knew he wanted to pursue higher education. Unsure how to balance both ambitions, he reached out to a National Guard recruiter for guidance.

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

Shortly after that conversation, he enlisted and began training with the National Guard. His entry into military service came just months before the events of September 11, an attack that would launch the War on Terror and shape the course of his military career.

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

Koch completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT), skills he would later depend on while serving abroad in Iraq as part of a tactical team. During his deployment, he worked across several bases, including one located on the grounds of Saddam Hussein’s former military complex.

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

His responsibilities in Iraq included escorting senior leaders through active war zones—among them battalion commanders and a high-ranking U.S. Air Force official. Each mission required teamwork, with one service member operating the vehicle while the other served as the gunner, overseeing onboard weapon systems and ensuring protection during movement.

Today, Koch continues to build on his goals outside the military. He works full-time as a commercial lender with Kentland Bank and is pursuing his long-held dream of completing a bachelor’s degree.

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

He is currently enrolled at Western Governors University (WGU) and previously earned his associate degree online from Harrison College in 2010.

Koch’s dedication to service has carried over into his local community as well. He volunteers as an assistant coach for his son’s trap shooting team and serves as President of the team’s board of directors.

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

He is also an active member of the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club, contributing his time to several committees, including the Wheelchair Ramp Committee, Veterans Committee, and the Veterans Appreciation Dinner Committee. Additionally, he mentors fellow veterans through the veterans treatment court, offering guidance to those navigating their own transitions.

Koch and his wife are raising three children, ages 13 to 17.

His commitment—to his country, his education, and his community—stands as an inspiring example of continued service. GoVets is proud to share his story and recognize the impact he continues to make both at home and beyond.