September 1, 2015: Mr. Couch is a native of Whitmire, SC. He graduated from the Citadel in 1952 and served in the Korean War as a combat engineer. He helped co-found the Baptist College and owned a successful construction company. He recalled his “momma” sending him off to the Citadel and upon arriving everyone yelled at him!
Mr. Couch recanted a story about two fellow Citadel cadets, Mills and Swartz, that simply didn’t get along. Mills, a skinny freshman, was constantly badgered by Swartz. As a means of mending their relationship he held a boxing match. Since Mills was fit and muscular he “whipped” Swartz. After that they remained close friends. Mr. Couch told this story as a means of describing how even the worst of enemies can come together once they each understand the other’s position.
Mr. Couch described his life as a contractor. He stated that while many of his workmen were uneducated, their honesty, truthfulness, and dependability meant more in life than any education. He iterated that these traits are missing today.
During his term in the Navy his job was to identify Indian worship sites. He explained the “inner circle” so important to native American life and that if invited inside the circle you would learn about care, respect and how to lift confidence of people. He challenged Rotarians to do the same and that sometimes people just need “coaches” to allow them to discover themselves.
— Steve Coe, Keyway Committee