“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are possible because of the courage of the men and women who serve our country in uniform,” Gov. Nixon said. “Capt. Roche exemplified that honor, duty and self-sacrifice, and we pay our respects to him and his service by lowering the flag. I also ask Missourians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Capt. Roche was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.