SSG Thomas D. Rabjohn

 

October 03 , 2009

EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNICIAN

STAFF SERGEANT THOMAS D. RABJOHN

19 February, 1970 – 3 October, 2009

Staff Sergeant Thomas D. Rabjohn was born on 19 February 1970 in Litchfield Park, Arizona.

He and Nikki have three daughters, Kylee, Koree, and Kelsee. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Rifleman from 1989 to 1993 and entered the Arizona Army National Guard in 1996 serving with the 1st Battalion 180th Field Artillery in Mesa, Arizona as a Fire Direction Survey Chief.  In May 2005 he was assigned to the 363rd EOD Company in Coolidge, Arizona.

He completed EOD School in 2006 and was assigned as an EOD Team Member.  In May 2008 he was selected as an EOD Team Leader. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during 2003 and again this year.  Prior to mobilization Staff Sergeant Rabjohn was a member of the Phoenix Arizona Police Department.

 

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Hourglass and “M” Device), Afghanistan Campaign Medal,  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Arizona Long Service Medal,  Arizona Service Ribbon (two oak leaf clusters) and the Arizona Recruiting and Retention Ribbon (one oak leaf cluster). Staff Sergeant Thomas “Tom” D. Rabjohn was a well respected EOD Operator and Police Officer who was dedicated to service as self evident by his service in both the Arizona National Guard and the Phoenix Police Department.

 

Staff Sergeant Rabjohn is survived by his wife of 15 ½ years Nikki who resides in Litchfield, Arizona with their three daughters. In addition, he will be deeply grieved for by his parents Thomas and Ila Rabjohn. Tom’s ability to put the needs of others above his own with professionalism, knowledge, and dedication will be sorely missed.  He excelled as an EOD Team Leader in a difficult active battle space and his quiet compassionate professionalism has served to develop not only those who served as his team members, but all those who served with him in the Counter IED fight. He was a true professional.  He will be missed.  He will be impossible to replace.