Get to Know Koch
“I tend to focus my energy on what I ‘CAN’ do versus what I ‘have’ done. Koch uses his past experiences as building blocks to help those in need of assistance.”
Roger Koch
Current Service
As Veteran Integration Program Coordinator at Freeman/Ozark Center in Joplin, MO, Roger works daily to connect veterans with the resources and benefits they have earned.
His passion for veteran benefits, overall mental health advocacy, and his refusal to accept financial cutbacks to our schools are some of his key points motivating him to seek change.
Combat Veteran
“I spent two decades serving this country, and I am not done serving,” said Koch. “The people of District 162 deserve a representative who will stand up for veterans, fight for our children’s future, and make sure no one in these communities is left without being heard. I am your Republican Representative and represent is exactly what I intend to do!”
Background & Achievements
A proud 1984 graduate of Carl Junction High School and alumnus of Missouri Southern State University, Koch went on to serve two decades in the United States Army as a Combat Veteran before retiring. Following his military career, he dedicated himself to the next generation by teaching and coaching in Joplin Schools.
Named Missouri Mental Health Champion
Inducted into the Carl Junction Sports Wall of Fame
Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Representative and Mentor for Jasper and Newton County Veterans Courts
Board member of Charlie 22 (local non-profit that serves Veterans and their Families)
Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Member of the Elks Lodge
Member of the Veterans Advisory Board
Past Carterville City Council member
Roger and Jen Koch
Recognition for Roger’s Accomplishments
Missouri Mental Health Champion
Roger Koch, MO Mental Health Champion
Show Me the Ozarks Magazine article
Inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Inducted into the Carl Junction Sports Wall of Fame
Roger's Favorite Jacket!
Roger, Part of the Elite 11 at Carl Junction HS
Carl Junction's Roger Koch accepts the Elite 11 Award from MO Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Dan Nelson
Our Elite 11 Award winners, left to right: Lamar's Laramie Todd, Evangel's Edward Sands, Glendale's Max Oeser, SBU's Kendrick Payne, Carl Junction's Roger Koch, Branson's Jeff Howard, Aurora's Charles Burbridge, Camdenton's Nick Bruck, Ozark's Sam Block, Missouri Southern's Joe Bettasso, and Webb City's Matt Berry. Oct. 18, 2025
Honoring Roger Koch 🏈 From the Bulldog football field to service in the U.S. military, and now a career dedicated to helping veterans transition back into civilian life — your journey reflects true leadership, service, and excellence. Carl Junction Schools and the entire Bulldog community are proud to call you one of our own. (Carl Junction Bulldog Athletics)
Proud Veteran
Missouri Veterans Recognition
United States Army
Jen & Roger with his veteran's portrait
Roger Koch - Veteran
Candidate Filing Day
Jen and Roger Koch at the State Capitol
With Governor Mike Kehoe
With Governor Mike Parson
Happy Dog!
Roger has a new tractor!
Roger and Jen, proud parents of four sons and daughters-in-law and grandparents to nine grandchildren!
