Staff Sgt. Thomas Rabjohn, R.I.P.

Name: Army Staff Sgt. Thomas D. Rabjohn

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Age: 39

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From: Litchfield Park, Ariz.

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Assigned to the 363rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment, Arizona National Guard, Coolidge, Ariz.

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Incident: Army Staff Sgt. Thomas D. Rabjohn died Oct. 3 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an IED detonated during an attempt to disarm it.

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Died: October 03, 2009

(From kgun9.com)Arizona Army National Guardsman SSgt Thomas Rabjohn, 39, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., died of wounds sustained during combat operations. on October 3, 2009, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

SSgt Rabjohn was assigned to the Arizona Army National Guard's Coolidge -based 363RD Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). The incident is under investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Rabjohn's family and loved ones," said Army Major General Hugo E. Salazar, The Adjutant General of the Arizona National Guard. "He was dedicated to service before self as evident by his service in both the Arizona National Guard and the Phoenix Police Department. He was among the best of our non-commissioned officer corps and will be missed."

The 363rd's primary mission is to eliminate explosive hazards in assigned areas and provide ordnance disposal support for Operation Enduring Freedom. They deployed to Fort Lewis, WA for training and then deployed to Afghanistan in April.

SSgt Rabjohn is survived by his wife Nikki, daughters Kylee (14), Koree (13) and Kelsee (12). Funeral service details will be provided as soon as they become available.

The family would like to add the following statement: "Thomas was a wonderful father and husband. He died doing what he loved. He prided himself on his performance and knowledge of his job both in the military and on the police force. We loved him very much and will miss him even more."