Maj. John Koehler ’10
Kailua, Hawaii

His enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge combined with his humanitarian instincts have led Maj. John Koehler to success as an Army optometrist.

While at Wartburg, Koehler was a two-year captain on the track and field team and graduated with a leadership certificate atop his biology major and minors in chemistry and history. He went on to earn a second bachelor’s in vision science and his Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. He holds two master’s degrees, one in business administration and one in health care administration, from Baylor University and recently completed a graduate certificate in global health engagement through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Additionally, he completed a postdoctoral residency at the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry and an administrative residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Koehler has risen quickly through the Army ranks, becoming a major early in his career. He currently serves as the executive officer and senior health care administrator for the Defense Health Agency’s Region Indo-Pacific Market, overseeing all military health facilities on Guam, the Okinawan islands, mainland Japan, Korea, and Oahu.

“Doctors that have considerable age advantage and experience report to Dr. Koehler,” wrote nominator Nathan Peterson ’09. “This was a highly coveted position, and he beat out a large file of highly qualified applicants.”

Throughout his career, Koehler has tended to the needs of others both inside and outside his field. He serves in leadership roles with numerous organizations and provides mentoring to colleagues. Koehler has served nine years in the U.S. Army; provided care through Indian Health Services in Arizona and Oklahoma; participated in mission trips to Hawaii, the Philippines, and Nepal; and organized vaccine drives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the ways he continually hones his craft in service to his peers and his patients, the Wartburg College Alumni Board is pleased to present a 2023 Young Alumni Award to Maj. John Koehler.