Release # 03-002
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION
Fort Bragg, NC  28310-5000
Phone (910) 432-0661/0662 
Fax (910) 432-5205  

March 6, 2008   
Release #03-002     
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper dies in Afghanistan

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near the Sabari District Center in Sabari, Afghanistan, Monday.

Cpl. Steven R. Koch, 23, of Milltown N.J., was an assistant gunner with the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div.

“Corporal Koch was a highly dedicated paratrooper,” said Capt. Henry Rowland, the 1st Bn., 508th PIR rear detachment commander. “He was dedicated not only to his profession but also in serving this great nation.”

Koch joined the Army in March 2006. He arrived to the 82nd Abn. Div. in August 2006, after completing Infantry One Station Unit Training and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
“He will be sorely missed by all of those who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family during their time of grief,” added Rowland.

Koch’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Parachutist’s Badge.

Koch is survived by his wife, Amy L. Koch; his daughter, Zoe L. Koch, both of Spotswood, N.J.; his father, William A. Koch; his mother, Christine E. Koch; and his brother William Koch, all of Milltown N.J.

Also killed was:
Sgt. Robert T. Rapp, 22, of Sonora, Calif.