Michael Eugene Koch VIRGINIA BEACH - Michael Eugene Koch was born in Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., May 12, 1978, and died Feb. 4, 2008 from wounds sustained from small arms fire during combat operations in Iraq. John 15:13. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Chief Petty Officer Mike Koch paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He died doing what he loved. Mike was an extraordinarily brave SEAL, honored teammate and great American. He was loved and will be missed by family and friends. "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6. Mike graduated from McDonough High School in May of 1996. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy July 9, 1998, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in September of 1998. Mike entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., Class 224 in January 1999 and graduated in August. He served his entire career with East Coast-based SEAL teams. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars with Valor, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, three Good Conduct medals, two National Defense Service medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, five Sea Service deployment ribbons, NATO Medal, and the Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal. Mike is survived by his fiancee and her son, mother, father, brother and sister. "Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee ." Psalms 50:15. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements.
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