EMCOR Group, Inc. Presents Diamond Award to William Koch Jr. of Forest Electric NJ

EMCOR Group announced in April that the company had presented William (Bill) Koch, Jr., a Senior Estimator at EMCOR’s subsidiary Forest Electric NJ, with the EMCOR “Diamond Award” for 2012, one of EMCOR’s highest honors.
 
The EMCOR Diamond Award was initiated by EMCOR in 1998 as a special honor to highlight exemplary employee accomplishments that go beyond the call of duty, whether compassionate, charitable, etc.  Individuals are selected based on performance that is special, admirable, and enriches the lives of many. Twenty-four of these awards have been presented since the program was initiated.

On March 3, 2008, Bill and his wife Christine’s son CPL Steven R. Koch, 23 years old, was killed in action serving his country during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Then, on May 6, 2010, their 29-year old daughter, Lynne, also became a victim of war when, unable to overcome the grief she felt from loss of her brother, she took her own life.
 
To honor the lives of their son Steven and daughter Lynne, as well as help other military families suffering the loss of a child killed in war and aide in the drastic effect Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can have on family members left behind, Bill works passionately with Hope for the Warriors. Hope For The Warriors is a national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for service members and military families. Among his work, Bill works tirelessly to support the Run For The Warriors event at Rutgers University each year.
 
Tony Guzzi, President & CEO, EMCOR Group, Inc. drew from his personal experience and military service in presenting the award. “Steven died doing what he loved; he raised his hand and said, ‘Send me, send me, I’m going to protect those who are vulnerable and protect you,’ and that’s amazing.”  Mr. Guzzi continued, “Bill’s story is one of love, strength, and commitment to helping others. Bill honors his family and reaches out to other families through his work.  He garners respect of management and co-workers for his diligence, loyalty, experience, and work ethic. We’re proud that Bill is part of the EMCOR family, and are honored to present him with EMCOR’s Diamond Award.”
 
Bill Koch has written two books of poems: "Casualties of War," and "Patriotic Passion," in which writes of his pain, as well as love for his family and country, his son’s fellow soldiers, and treasured memories of his children.  Through his writings, he hopes to raise awareness and bring understanding and compassion to families also living with the same loss and unanswered questions. He also shares his love of his family, his country and its military. He is committed to doing all he can to keep patriotism alive, and believes one should treasure family and freedom in our country.
 
Steven R. Koch was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. He received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Additionally, he 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.