Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF, Ret.
Founder & CEO
Anyone who knows Larry DeBuhr will tell you he’s a man defined by enthusiasm, hard work, leadership, persistence, and wit. His unwavering dedication to both his community and his fellow veterans has been the common thread throughout every chapter of his life.
Larry has always believed that true leadership means giving back. Over the years, he has played an active role in supporting numerous community development and veteran-focused initiatives. Among his many contributions, he has been an integral part of developing his hometown community pool in Canton, South Dakota, a dedicated member of the City of Canton Recreation Council, where he helped expand and improve local baseball diamonds, and a Quartermaster for VFW Post 3164. In addition, he proudly served as Chairman of the United Way, representing the 114th Air National Guard, further extending his commitment to service beyond the uniform.
Larry founded Koah Ventures on the guiding principle of Developing with Purpose—a philosophy deeply rooted in his military service, community leadership, and lifelong mission to make a positive impact.
“Koah Ventures focuses on projects that meet our goals of Developing with Purpose. Developing with Purpose generates increased value to our country’s communities and enhances the quality of life for the Veterans who serve them. The services we provide are designed to create lasting, positive impacts—always making a difference.”
— Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF (Ret.)
A Humble Beginning
Larry DeBuhr’s story begins in El Paso, Texas, where he was born at William Beaumont Army Medical Center to parents Merle and Shirley DeBuhr. His father, a private in the United States Army, was soon deployed to South Korea for a year following Larry’s birth—marking the start of what would become Larry’s lifelong connection to veterans and their families.
Larry was the second of five children, though tragedy struck early when he lost a brother to heart complications shortly after birth. After completing his honorable military service, Larry’s father returned home and took a job with Terrace Park Dairy in Sioux City, Iowa, as a milkman. Not many can truly say they were “the son of a milkman,” but for Larry, it was a point of pride. Times were difficult, and his father later transitioned to a position as a welder at Load King Trailer Company in Elk Point, South Dakota, where his strong work ethic and leadership ultimately earned him the role of Plant Superintendent. His father’s determination and integrity left a lasting impression on Larry—a living example that hard work truly pays off.
From a young age, Larry learned the meaning of diligence and perseverance while working for a local farmer.
“Doug picked me up early in the morning and dropped me off after dark—until I was old enough to drive myself. My days were filled with walking wet soybean fields, cutting weeds in the morning, baling and stacking hay in the afternoon, and walking beans again for hours in the evening. I cultivated soybeans and field corn with M and H International tractors until I graduated to the 706 International—with a radio but no cab. I thought I was in heaven. Work was all I knew, and being a diligent worker was the best way to earn respect on the farm.”
— Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF (Ret.)
Those early farm days built more than just muscles—they built character. Larry learned to build fences, repair and construct barns, and remodel cattle yards, all of which reinforced his sense of discipline and craftsmanship. That same dedication carried over into athletics, where he became a standout in high school football and track. To this day, Larry still holds two school records: the Freshman 100-Yard Dash and the Medley Relay.
Finding Purpose Through Challenge
Larry grew up listening to his father and uncles share stories of their military service—their experiences, travels, and deep sense of patriotism. Those conversations sparked something in him. The courage, camaraderie, and purpose they spoke of inspired Larry to one day do his part to serve this great nation.
During the fall of his sophomore year, tragedy struck the family when Larry’s mother developed a blood-clotting disorder that led to the loss of the lower portion of her left leg. The experience was devastating for Larry, but it also became a defining moment in his life. Through prayer, perseverance, and family unity, they overcame adversity together. His mother’s unwavering faith, courage, and grace in the face of hardship left an indelible mark on him.
Larry often reflects on that time as a turning point—when he learned that success isn’t measured by trophies or medals, but by strength of character and compassion for others. Her resilience inspired him to devote his life to service and to helping those in need.
In 1974, Larry made a selfless choice: he turned down a college track scholarship and enlisted in the United States Air Force as a medic, beginning a lifelong commitment to serving his country and caring for his fellow servicemembers.
After his honorable discharge from active duty, Larry returned home and took a job as a construction worker, helping build an eighteen-room motel. Impressed by his integrity and work ethic, the motel’s owners later hired him as the manager. During the day, Larry oversaw daily operations; at night, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to attend Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, Iowa, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Business.
Developing with Purpose
Larry’s devotion to the military never wavered. After his time on active duty, he reenlisted with the Air National Guard, where his compassion for fellow servicemembers naturally drew him toward a new mission—caring for veterans beyond the battlefield. This calling led him to the Royal C. Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he began a new chapter in service.
While working at the VA Hospital, Larry’s construction background once again proved invaluable. Recognizing his leadership and technical expertise, hospital administrators assigned him to manage the design and construction of two major projects: a $1.2 million oncology clinic addition and a $2.6 million outpatient clinic serving more than 20,000 veterans in Region 23 each year.
These projects became more than just buildings—they embodied Larry’s deep sense of purpose. The experience solidified his lifelong mission: to continue serving his country by improving and expanding Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities nationwide. This personal and professional philosophy became known as “Developing with Purpose.”
After seventeen years of dedicated service at the hospital, Larry’s military career advanced once again. He accepted the position of Medical Administration Officer for the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls. In this role, he was responsible for the pre-deployment organization and oversight of the overall medical readiness of more than 1,100 Air National Guard personnel, as well as the daily operations of 56 clinical staff members providing medical, dental, and radiology services.
Through every chapter of his life, Larry’s leadership has been guided by a single principle—service before self. Whether building healthcare facilities or ensuring the readiness of those who serve, he has dedicated his career to strengthening the systems that care for America’s heroes.
Though the motel industry offered valuable management experience, it was not a financially stable career at the time. To better support himself and his future goals, Larry accepted a position as a Boilermaker in Port Neal, Nebraska, where he helped construct four power plants—continuing to apply his trademark dedication and work ethic to every challenge he faced.
This was a wonderful experience and continued Larry’s love for building. “I was tasked to reposition fly ash expansion pads that were installed incorrectly. The expansion pads were 140 feet from the ground. I was closer to God than I could imagine. I made a pact with him that if I made it through this task, I was going to do something good for humankind. Low and behold the job ended, and I continued my medical studies at South Dakota State University School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. All while working many odd end, night, and weekend jobs; my construction background came in very handy during this time.” – Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF, Ret.
“Developing with Purpose”- Projects that Koah Ventures lead and successfully develop and build are projects that generate increased value for our Nation’s communities and the quality of life for the Veterans that serve it. – Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF, Ret.
A Few Milestones During Larry’s Military Service
Global Humanitarian Service
Larry’s service extended far beyond U.S. borders through his involvement with the South Dakota State Partnership Program, which fosters international cooperation between state National Guards and allied nations. The program partnered South Dakota with the South American country of Suriname, where Larry was stationed in the capital city, Paramaribo.
During his deployment, Larry was tasked with providing critical medical training and support to the Surinamese military. He was hand-selected to instruct 27 combat medics from the Suriname Army in Combat Life-Saving techniques—training that enhanced their ability to render lifesaving care under combat conditions. This mission not only strengthened the medical readiness of the Surinamese Armed Forces but also deepened the partnership and trust between the United States and Suriname militaries, fulfilling the true purpose of the State Partnership Program.
Larry’s humanitarian leadership continued when he was chosen to command an Air Force task force deployed to Honduras, Central America. There, he and his team delivered vital humanitarian aid to several remote villages, providing medical, dental, and minor surgical care to residents who otherwise had little to no access to healthcare. Over the course of the mission, more than 300 patients received treatment—an experience that deeply reaffirmed Larry’s lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and the global reach of American humanitarian values.
Leadership in Crisis
In June 2011, catastrophic flooding struck cities along the Missouri River, the result of record snowfall and extreme runoff throughout the region. As floodwaters threatened homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, Larry once again answered the call to serve.
He was tasked with coordinating 60 members of the 114th Fighter Wing to lead emergency response operations. Under his direction, the team organized and executed extensive sandbagging and levee construction efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Once the initial fortifications were completed, Larry’s team transitioned to patrolling the 3.8-mile levee system they had built—monitoring for cracks, breaches, or weak points to ensure the continued safety of residents and property.
Larry’s steady leadership and commitment during the crisis exemplified his lifelong devotion to teamwork, preparedness, and protecting others—core values that have guided every chapter of his military and civilian career.
Commanding Service in the Arctic
In 2014, Larry was appointed Commander of the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) for Arctic Care in Kodiak, Alaska—one of the Department of Defense’s premier humanitarian missions. In this role, he was responsible for the advance coordination and logistical preparation of seven remote village treatment sites ahead of the main task force’s arrival.
Under Larry’s leadership, the mission successfully delivered triage, medical, dental, physical therapy, optical, and veterinary services to over 2,000 patients and 400 animals, performing more than 6,400 procedures across the region. The operation strengthened community relations and showcased the U.S. military’s commitment to readiness through service.
In addition to his Arctic Care command, Larry was also selected to serve as Lead of the Development and Building Committee, where he assisted in the design and construction of two multi-million-dollar medical clinic renovation projects, totaling approximately 13,500 square feet. These facilities significantly enhanced both the quality of care and accessibility of services for the nation’s veterans—an achievement that reflects Larry’s enduring belief that America’s heroes deserve the very best in healthcare and support.
His True Heart
“In my Junior year of High School, I met the love of my life. Janice, a farm girl that transferred into our school, we shared lockers next to each other. Her shyness, smile, and mysterious way she presented herself, not to mention how cute she was, caught my eye. She believed in me and is my closest friend. Almost 50 years later and our feelings toward each other have grown even stronger.” – Lt. Col. Larry DeBuhr, USAF, Ret.
Larry’s children are his pride and joy, and his grandchildren are adored beyond measure. Unconditional love for all of them.
