From the Cockpit to Corporate: A Veteran’s journey to becoming an operations leader

At Kinder Morgan, we are grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Country's veterans. This Veterans Day, we are honored to spotlight Josh Etzel, vice president, soon to be chief operating officer, of the Products Pipelines business unit. Etzel's journey has been one of dedication - first to his country as a U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot and Company Commander, and now as an operations leader at Kinder Morgan.

Etzel's military career began with a dream - he wanted to be a pilot. After graduating from West Point in 1997, he became an AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot, serving 11 years in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in Germany. Between his two tours in Afghanistan, Etzel witnessed firsthand the difference the military presence made in Afghani lives - particularly profound changes like voting in democratic elections and young girls attending school. "It gave us the feeling that we were there for more than just chasing down terrorists," Etzel recalls. "We felt like we were part of something bigger."

After leaving the military in 2008, Etzel was recruited by Kinder Morgan. Enticed by the company's values and real-world impact, he started at the Argo Terminal in Chicago, where he embraced the tangible, hard-working culture and formed lasting connections. His journey with Kinder Morgan took him from Chicago to Houston, then to Carteret, New Jersey, and back to Houston - a path that he says, "reminds me of my military days where change is constant and every move adds value to the mission."

Reflecting on how the Army shaped his career, Etzel notes, "The military taught me that teamwork and cooperation come before anything else. You're all pulling in the same direction, and everyone's focused on the mission." This philosophy resonates at Kinder Morgan, where he has found a similar culture of collaboration and a commitment to doing what's right. As he puts it, "It's a company of hard-working people who share your values - much like the team-oriented structure I loved in the Army."

We are thankful for team members like Josh at Kinder Morgan. Veterans like him contribute a depth of experience that enriches our company culture and drives us forward. Together, we remain committed to a future built on shared values, respect and purpose - qualities that make Kinder Morgan a place where people are proud to work and grow.

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