On June 1, Captain Walter Joe Couch will be promoted to the rank of major in the United States Army.
Couch is a native of Polk County, a Tryon High School graduate and a graduate of Appalachian State University. He and his wife, Sheri, are currently stationed in Bethesda, Md., where he is enrolled in graduate school at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. Couch is completing his master’s degree in public health.
Couch began his career in the United States Army as an enlisted soldier and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps in 2002. Couch has served as aide-de-camp for the commander of the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine and chief, U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.
During his career, he has also served as company commander and medical plans and operations officer. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal- Campaign Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Field Medical Badge and the Army Superior Unit Award. Couch has completed one tour of duty to Iraq.
Couch is the grandson of the late Jack and Lela Couch of Asheville, N.C., the late Joe Webb of Cliffside, N.C. and Mrs. Nelle Webb of Cliffside, N.C. He is the son of George and Myra Couch of Forest City, N.C. A private reception will be held in his honor at his parent’s home in Rutherford County.
– article submitted by Sheri Couch