Photo By Sgt. Amber Bohlman | Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, the adjutant general, Arizona National Guard, presents...... read more read more
PHOENIX – Soldiers, Airmen and Phoenix Police officers came together Jan. 9, at Papago Park Military Reservation for a building dedication and renaming ceremony to honor Staff Sgt. Thomas D. Rabjohn, an explosive ordnance disposal technician killed in action Oct. 3, 2009.
During his second deployment to Afghanistan, Rabjohn was trying to disarm an intricate series of improvised explosive devices in the Wardak province. Moments before one IED detonated, he warned his fellow team members of the hazard. His actions were considered heroic – he not only sacrificed his life, he saved the lives of two fellow Soldiers.
“This is an opportunity for us to recognize one Soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, Arizona National Guard adjutant general. “Certainly his sacrifice was no greater than all the other members of the American professions of arms who have given their lives, but in this particular case this Soldier doubled down on service.”
Rabjohn not only served in the Arizona Army National Guard for 13 years, he was also a Phoenix Police Officer for seven years. His loss impacted the community as a whole.
The loss of Officer Rabjohn had a huge impact on the Phoenix Police Department, said Chief Joseph G. Yahner, police chief, Phoenix Police Department.
“He was very well respected within the central city precinct. He was a field-training officer,” Yahner said. “He just did an outstanding job for his community. He had a lot of friends and was just very well respected.”
Rabjohn started serving his country in 1989. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a Rifleman and after four years of service he was honorably discharged. After a three year break in service, Rabjohn joined the Arizona Army National Guard as a Fire Direction Survey Chief with 1st Battalion, 180th Field Artillery Regiment.
In 2003, Rabjohn deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with 1/180th FA Security Force. After returning from his first deployment Rabjohn was assigned to the 363rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company.
Rabjohn’s sacrifice had a significant impact on his family. His brother, Brian and nephew, Spc. Dakota Hodge, were both motivated to make a difference and follow in his footsteps by joining the Arizona Army National Guard.
“It affected me in a lot of different ways,” said Rabjohn’s brother, Spc. Brian Rabjohn. “It changed my whole life, and what I thought was important in life. I no longer have the job that I was in for seven years; instead I went and joined the military.”
The loss of Rabjohn was devastating to those deployed with him, especially one of his closest friends.
“Tom’s death left a hole that could never be filled. I cherish the memories and the thoughts that I have of him,” said 1st Sgt. Cliff Schiller. “He was the guy you could trust with anything; work, home life, personal life, secrets and details – anything.”
The memorialization of Rabjohn has made a positive impact on both the National Guard community and the Phoenix Police Department, allowing his sacrifice to never be forgotten.
“The armory dedication means a lot to me for the simple reason that a man never dies as long as his stories are remembered and his name is not forgotten,” Schiller said.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.29.2016 17:57 |
| Story ID: | 187443 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 981 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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