Published Jul 1, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT
Former Apache pilot Tony Ochs is on a mission to serve veterans and entertain crowds in his post-military life.
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.
