Cody Rauch, U.S. Army/National Guard
Flight Nurse, Wings Air Rescue
For Cody Rauch, service has always been about something greater than himself. Inspired by the examples set by his father, uncle and grandfather, he joined the U.S. Army in 2005 as an infantryman during the height of the Iraq War.
After eight years on active duty, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Cody continued his commitment through the Army National Guard where he has now served for 15 years. Today, he serves in the military as a flight paramedic on a UH-60 Black Hawk and holds the rank of staff sergeant.
In his civilian career, Cody brings that same dedication to his role as a flight nurse with Med-Trans Corporation (MTC) affiliate Wings Air Rescue in Sioux City, Iowa.
He credits his military experience with shaping his leadership skills and strengthening his ability to remain calm and focused in high-stress situations. While his service provided countless meaningful experiences, it is the people he misses most.
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“I miss who I served with. No friendship or camaraderie since has matched it, although working alongside the other members of Wings Air Rescue is as close as I have experienced in the civilian sector.”
What sticks out to you as a GMR situation where your military experience proved helpful?
“Maintaining composure and levelheadedness in stressful environments.”
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, does this milestone hold any personal meaning for you as a Veteran and an EMS professional?
“I view America as the greatest country in the world. I am blessed to have been born here and fortunate to serve my country and its people.”
If you could share one message about service to the next generation during this 250th anniversary, what would it be?
“It isn’t easy. It isn’t all parades and handshakes. My military service took time away from my family and affected my mental health for a period of time. It is called service for a reason, and the sacrifice is very real depending on your job and deployment cycle. However, it has also been the most rewarding experience of my life – very similar to working in healthcare, which is probably why I entered the industry.”
After eight years on active duty, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Cody continued his commitment through the Army National Guard where he has now served for 15 years. Today, he serves in the military as a flight paramedic on a UH-60 Black Hawk and holds the rank of staff sergeant.
In his civilian career, Cody brings that same dedication to his role as a flight nurse with Med-Trans Corporation (MTC) affiliate Wings Air Rescue in Sioux City, Iowa.
He credits his military experience with shaping his leadership skills and strengthening his ability to remain calm and focused in high-stress situations. While his service provided countless meaningful experiences, it is the people he misses most.
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“I miss who I served with. No friendship or camaraderie since has matched it, although working alongside the other members of Wings Air Rescue is as close as I have experienced in the civilian sector.”
What sticks out to you as a GMR situation where your military experience proved helpful?
“Maintaining composure and levelheadedness in stressful environments.”
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, does this milestone hold any personal meaning for you as a Veteran and an EMS professional?
“I view America as the greatest country in the world. I am blessed to have been born here and fortunate to serve my country and its people.”
If you could share one message about service to the next generation during this 250th anniversary, what would it be?
“It isn’t easy. It isn’t all parades and handshakes. My military service took time away from my family and affected my mental health for a period of time. It is called service for a reason, and the sacrifice is very real depending on your job and deployment cycle. However, it has also been the most rewarding experience of my life – very similar to working in healthcare, which is probably why I entered the industry.”
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