Gunner remembered for selfless service

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Pfc. Alan Blohm, a machine gunner for the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion's quick reaction force, was killed by an improvised explosive device north of Al Hilla, Iraq, on New Years Eve, 2006.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

01.05.2007

Story by Spc. Juliana Morrison 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Juliana Morrison
425th BSTB Public Affairs


KALSU, Iraq - Paratroopers from the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division gathered together Jan. 5 here to say goodbye to one of their own.

In a memorial service held in honor of Pfc. Alan Blohm, Soldiers honored the memory of their fallen comrade.

Blohm died during a combat operation Dec. 31, north of Al Hillah, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck with an improvised explosive device. He was the gunner in the lead truck for BSTB's quick reaction force.

His team was on their way back to their base after a mission when he noticed a pothole in the road. He advised his driver to swerve when his truck was struck by an IED hidden in some bushes.

Blohm was born on July 26, 1985 in Bay City, Mich., where he lived with his family before moving to Kenai, Alaska to live with his aunt and uncle.

In an effort to better his life and make a difference for his family, Blohm joined the Army on September 22, 2005. As a young private, he completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., to become a combat engineer.

Before arriving at his first duty station, Blohm completed Airborne Training at Ft. Benning, Ga. He was then assigned to the 425th BSTB's Personnel Security Detachment as a machine gunner.

Blohm became an expert with his weapon and upon deployment to Iraq, he was selected to be on the battalion's Quick Reaction Force.

Sgt. Juan Aguilar, Blohm's team leader on the QRF, said Blohm was an exceptional Soldier.

"He was among the best. He was our eyes out there," said Aguilar. "He kept us safe and he kept us alive."

Although Blohm wasn't the most experienced Soldier, Aguilar said he was focused on his job and was mature in his position.

"I never had to worry about a job getting done when it came to Blohm," Aguilar said. "He never complained about anything. He loved the job of being a Soldier and he did it exceptionally well."

In addition to being good at his job Blohm was a good friend. He befriended many people when he arrived in Alaska. Pfc. Jonathan Strain said Blohm was a respected member of the battalion.

"He would do anything for anybody. He would give me the shirt off his back if I needed it," Strain said. "He was one of the best friends I've ever had."

Cpt. Cody Williams, the commander of BSTB's Headquarters and Headquarters Company said he never had to worry about Blohm when a job needed to be done.

"He was an outstanding human being, a great Soldier, and a great friend," he said.

For his courageous efforts and selfless duty to his country, Blohm was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

Blohm leaves behind him an entire family of paratroopers who will never forget what he has done for this country.

1st Sgt. Terwan Crawley called Blohm an inspiration for everyone.

"Blohm loved to talk about his family. He was proud of them," he recalled. "We are proud of Blohm and he will always be a part of our family."

• Date Taken: 01.05.2007
• Date Posted: 01.08.2007 08:47
• Story ID: 8751
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ