Tony Ochs might have traded in his Apache helicopter for a monster truck when he left the Army, but he’s always kept military veterans at the top of his mind.
This summer, Ochs, a 10-year Army veteran, will be competing in the Monster Jam World Finals, using his spotlight to advocate for veterans and military families through a partnership with JCB and VetsAid.
Ochs will be showcasing his powerful JCB DiGatron, thundering across arenas to wow audiences across the country. It’s the type of adrenaline rush Ochs embraced after serving as an Apache attack helicopter crew chief, completing deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with stints overseas in Kuwait and South Korea.
“Driving in the Monster Jam World Finals isn’t about celebrating my service. It’s about honoring every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, guardian, coast guardsman and military family who sacrificed long before I ever climbed behind the wheel of a Monster Jam truck,” Ochs told Military.com. “If this truck reminds one veteran that they’re appreciated, then it has already done its job.”
Ochs was proud to partner with JCB, a manufacturer of large equipment, including military vehicles, and VetsAid, an organization that helps veterans find housing, mental health support, employment and other services, led by rock legend Joe Walsh.
“What impressed me most about JCB is that their support for veterans goes well beyond words. That partnership is making a real impact through the special-edition VetsAid Teleskid, with $1,000 from every machine sold donated to VetsAid as part of JCB’s $1 million commitment,” Ochs said. “As a veteran, it means a great deal to represent a company that’s willing to invest in the military community rather than simply recognize it once a year.”
Navigating a Difficult Transition
Ochs believes leaving the military and trying to acclimate to civilian life can be jolting for many veterans. The search for purpose and identity can sometimes be long and frustrating.
“When you leave active duty, the mission ends, the structure changes, and suddenly you’re expected to figure everything out on your own. That transition can be difficult, especially for those dealing with invisible wounds like PTSD,” Ochs said. “I will forever be grateful to Monster Jam and Feld Entertainment for giving me that purpose and identity.”
While it can be difficult for struggling veterans to ask for help, Ochs encourages them to do so.
“We spend years learning to solve problems ourselves, but there’s strength in reaching out,” Ochs said. “Organizations like VetsAid, veteran service organizations and even simply reconnecting with fellow veterans can make an enormous difference.”
Ochs hopes veterans can look back at their service as just the beginning of their career journey, not the culmination.
“Your service doesn’t define the end of your story. The skills, discipline, resilience and leadership you developed in uniform still have tremendous value,” he said. “Your next mission is to find out where those qualities can make the biggest impact.”
9/11 and the Call to Serve
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., killing thousands.
That evening, young Tony Ochs signed up to join the Army. His drive to serve was cemented on that dark day and led to new challenges and experiences halfway around the globe.
Fascinated by aviation as a young child, Ochs fell comfortably into the world of Apache helicopters, becoming a mechanic, crew chief and technical inspector.
“It seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for machines with serving my country,” Ochs said.
Commanding the Apache
Many civilians see an Apache and think, Oh, just another military helicopter, but it’s a complex combat weapon system and a fast, reliable mode of troop transportation.
“Every flight represented thousands of hours of maintenance and inspections before the aircraft ever left the ground,” Ochs said. “As Crew Chief, I wasn’t just responsible for the helicopter; I was responsible for the lives of the pilots climbing into it.”
Countless times, Ochs watched an Apache drift over the horizon and into the unknown world of combat operations.
“There was an incredible sense of pride, but also an understanding of the responsibility we carried,” he said. “When that aircraft returned safely, it was one of the most rewarding feelings imaginable.”
Transitioning to Monster Trucks
Believe it or not, there are a few distinct similarities between Army aviation and monster trucks.
Ochs said that both occupations demand discipline, preparation, trust in your team and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
“As a mechanic, I always loved working on equipment. As an Apache crew chief, I developed confidence operating around high-performance machines. Monster Jam gave me an opportunity to combine those experiences with my competitive drive,” Ochs said. “I have the privilege of entertaining families across the country while driving some of the most powerful machines on four wheels. In many ways, it’s still about teamwork, precision and performing when the lights come on.”
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