Meet the commander - Lt. Col. Travis Koch

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The skies are vast and wide in Houston, Texas, and so were the goals of one local child. As the grandson of an American fighter pilot, his dreams were set well above the clouds, facing the horizon. He knew that one day, he would also take flight, fighting for the greatest Air Force in the world.

Lieutenant Col. R. Travis Koch, 43rd Fighter Squadron commander, moved often while growing up. He was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Atlanta, Ga., and Oakton, Va.

He was recruited to play lacrosse at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., after graduating from Oakton High School, Vienna, Va., in 1991. While at the Academy, he was injured in a brawl that shattered his face and skull in seven places.

"The doctors told me that I would never fly," said Colonel Koch. "It's interesting that while I was in the midst of it, it seemed like the end of my world. However, looking back, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, getting me to focus again on what was important in life."

Now 19 years later, he has fulfilled his dreams of becoming a pilot and commands the only F-22 Raptor training squadron in the Air Force. This will be his first opportunity to command a squadron and he knows there will be plenty to learn.

"It is important for us to continuously improve ourselves technically, mentally, physically, and spiritually," Colonel Koch said. "That foundation is mentioned repeatedly in the Enlisted Force Structure and with it, we can weather most any storm."

Prior to his current tour at Tyndall, Colonel Koch's career developed through the vast assignments the Air Force blessed him with. With each move, his leadership and piloting skills expanded. After attending pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, he went on to attend F-15C Eagle training here at Tyndall. Next, he traveled to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to perform his duties as an F-15C pilot.
Finally, he returned here to Tyndall to be an F-15C instructor pilot. In addition to his assignments, Colonel Koch has served on numerous deployments.

"Walking off the plane back in the United States after a deployment was pretty amazing," said Colonel Koch. "You realize what a gift it is and what an important role each us play defending our nation."

This is his third assignment here at Tyndall and second assignment here with his family. Colonel Koch met his wife in Houston, Texas, when their mothers set them up on a blind date.

"We love the area and have a number of great friends from the local community," Colonel Koch said. "I enjoy hanging out with the family, taking my son John fishing, and playing in our band, Post Stall."

Along with spending time with the family and partaking in father-son fishing trips, Colonel Koch enjoys golfing, boating, surfing, sailing, and spending days at the beach.

Being a father is important to Colonel Koch, and he coaches his son's sports teams. He also spends his time volunteering at his church and has been actively involved with Young Life, a youth outreach program.

"I am excited to continue my journey here at Tyndall," added Colonel Koch. "I am also honored to serve the men and women of the 43rd FS. I look forward to having a great time in command and then seeing where the Air Force takes us next.

"I want the Airmen to know that they are the most important thing about the Air Force," Colonel Koch explained. "So make the best of it."