Illinois native, U.S. Marine deploys to Australia

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody Koch, postal chief, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, is one of 1,200 Marines who is taking part in this year's rotation. A Red Bud, Ill., native, Koch ensures all personal, command, and official mail gets delivered to the correct personnel.
“When I was 17, I joined the Marine Corps because I needed to do something different with my life. I chose to go down this path and it has taught me to be a leader, a follower, and how to be professional in my personal life and in my career. The biggest advice I would give to my junior Marines is the tool for success in leading your Marines is to care. Care about teaching your Marines, care about the example you give them and care about them overall – with that they will follow you anywhere.”
The U.S. and Australian governments decided in late-March to delay the rotation due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to resume the deployment comes as the government of Australia is granting an exemption to current travel restrictions to allow the 2020 MRF-D rotation to proceed, based on Australia’s record to date in managing impacts from COVID-19 as well as strict adherence by deployed U.S. Marines to the mandatory 14-day quarantine and other requirements.