Two Paratroopers were killed March 3 during combat operations in the Sabari District of Afghanistan. Spc. Steven R. Koch, 23, as Assistant Gunner, of Milltown, New Jersey, and Sgt. Robert T. Rapp, 22, a team leader, of Sonora, California, were killed in an IED explosion. Both men had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N. C.
"My husband and I are very proud of our son," said his mother, Christine Koch, during a brief phone interview tonight. "He died for his country and he died loving his country."
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"Corporal Koch was a highly dedicated paratrooper," said Capt. Henry Rowland, the 1st Battalion, 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 Airborne Division 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," Rowland said.
Koch's decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He also was awarded 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, military officials said.
Cpl. Koch is survived by his wife, Amy, a daughter, Zoe, his parents and a brother.
Jennifer Rapp, Rapp's mother, said her son was a patriot and a committed soldier. She also said that his view of his role in the military had evolved since his first tour of duty.
"He went to Iraq as a very young man (in 2005) ... he lost his roommate and best friend," said Jennifer Rapp. "He went to Afghanistan as a sergeant and he said his biggest responsibility was to bring his men home alive."
Jennifer Rapp said that her son always had an interest in the military. She said he played with G.I. Joe toys when he was a very young boy. He also showed an early interest and talent in sports, joining an area ski team at age 6 and becoming an accomplished wrestler, golfer, cross-country runner and dove hunter.
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"Bobby had a heart of gold and was one of the most generous and kind people that you could ever know," Jennifer Rapp said. "He said there was no greater honor than to serve his country."
Jennifer Rapp said that Robert had one year left of his commitment to the military and that he was originally scheduled to come home in January, but that his unit's tour was extended to mid-April.
"He wanted to serve our country and protect our country," Jennifer Rapp said. "He loved this country."
Sgt. Rapp's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.
Godspeed, Troopers.
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