Committee Leaders

William Kocken

Ruck March Lead

I was born in March of 1984 in Green Bay, WI where I have spent the vast majority of my life. I am a graduate of West De Pere High School.  Growing up I was active in the Boy Scouts of America having reached the rank of eagle scout. I was a two sport athlete through high school in both soccer and wrestling to include lettering all four years and being the team captain of the wrestling team my senior year.

I enlisted into the Army National Guard on March 28, 2002, at the age of 18 while I was in my junior year of high school. I went on my 1st Deployment in August 2005 for 12 months to Iraq. During that deployment I earned the Combat Infantryman Badge.  That badge was received because of direct contact with the enemy through IED and small arms ambush resulting in the loss of two Airmen. On that deployment we conducted combat patrols and logistical convoy security.

When we were put on alert for our second deployment I was selected over my peers to come onto orders as a full-time National Guardsman before the deployment to help bring up the unit’s readiness level and prepare them for the upcoming mission.  Shortly before the deployment in 2009 I was hired as an AGR (Active Guard Reserve) Service Member. We deployed in April 2009 for 10 months again to Iraq. During that deployment we conducted primarily PSD operations.

I deployed for a third time to Afghanistan in 2019 as the Platoon Sergeant for the Quick Reaction Force for all of TAAC-EAST.  This operation included supporting troops in enemy contact, downed aircraft recovery, and any other immediate needs in the region. Half way through this deployment I was moved into the Tactical Operations Center in Tarin Kowt where I tracked the area battle field, managed base defenses, supported Special Forces operations in the area, and controlled numerous air assets on a daily basis.

Between these deployments I have been working as an AGR. I attended the Army’s Ranger School under class 02-13 and went straight through earning my Ranger Tab on January 25, 2013.  I have also earned the Army Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Expert Infantryman’s Badge. I was selected to represent the Army National Guard at the 2014 Best Ranger Competition where my partner and I placed 19th overall. I am currently a Sergeant First Class working out of Waupun, WI as the Readiness NCO and Platoon Sergeant for A Co 2-127th IN.

I have been a part of numerous charity events to help raise money for an assortment of organizations. I co-founded 4th HOOAH WI in 2013 and sat in the roles of president and vice president of the veterans organization. 4th HOOAH WI is a chapter of a national organization that has helped thousands of veterans across Wisconsin through a multitude of programs and services. I am currently the lead organizer for the annual Veterans Suicide Awareness March

In 2018 I completed my Business Admin Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.

I have competed in numerous physical competitions to include setting the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon with a 100lbs pack in 2018. I have also completed there Wisconsin Ironman races, one of which was while carrying a 40lbs ruck for the marathon portion to raise awareness. I led the team that won the 2019 Bataan Memorial Death March National Guard Heavy Division. I also earned the opportunity to compete at the World’s Toughest Mudder in 2011, where I was able to complete three laps on the course.

I have received the Order of Saint Maurice, Thomas E Wortham IV Achievement Award, Green Bay Packers Community Quarterback Award, and Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Future 15 Award. Through my military career I have also received many other awards and recognition.

Tammy Hardwick

Ruck March Lead

My name is Tammy Hardwick I am the chapter President of 4th HOOAH WI.

I come from a family who has served in every Branch of the Military from my father who was in the Merchant Marines, to brothers, sister-in-laws, brother-in laws, nieces, nephews so I guess this is my way of giving back since I myself did not serve in the Military.   One of my favorite quotes is “Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve” by Martin Luther King Jr.

I had worked with a small scholarship Non- Profit my family started after losing my brother in a car accident, he served as an MP in the Air Force.  After that I knew that volunteer work gave me more than I would ever give to others so I was hooked.    Since my son is now a growing young man it was important for me to find a charity we could both be involved with and something that would honor our family.  I want him to grow up and know of the true sacrifice our service men and woman pay for our Freedoms, so at our events I encourage him talk to these people learn their stories.  At many of our events it is living history we have right in front of us.  How awesome is that!!!

I had found HOOAH on the Green Bay Volunteer page and on May 2015 showed up to my first event, the push up contest in front of the Shopko Hall.  I have been honored to be a part of many events after that and to be taking on more of a planning and fundraising efforts for this charity because as Nick Gries had stated in a meeting that has always stuck with me “We do this work because it’s the right thing to do.”

I will do my best to serve with grace to honor my family and honor this organization because the work we do and the people we do it for deserve that from me.

Steve Westphal

Operation Tip-up Leader