THE MARINE CORPS-LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDATION
“Supporting the Children of Our Fallen Heroes.”
SIXTH ANNUAL
ARIZONA GOLF TOURNAMENT at DESERT MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB Monday, September 20, 2010
Dedicated to the memory of
SSgt Thomas Rabjohn, USANG / Former Cpl USMC
DEAR FRIENDS AND PATRIOTS, On behalf of the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, we would like to thank you for your participation and support of the 6th Annual Arizona Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament is dedicated to the memory of SSgt Thomas Rabjohn, USANG / Former Cpl USMC.
DEAR FRIENDS AND PATRIOTS,
Since 1995, the Foundation has provided financial assistance of over $45 million to the children of our nation’s fallen heroes, with over $290,000 in direct support of Arizona children since our first Arizona event in 2005.
We look forward to sharing with you another memorable day, not only because of the fun and fellowship we experience playing one of Arizona’s finest golf venues, but because of what we can do for those who need our support and prayers.
Semper Fidelis,
Kirk Tushaus and J.P. Holyoak Tournament Co-Chairs
GUEST OF HONOR & MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman, USMC (Ret) Rank and organization: Sergeant (then L/Cpl.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein) FMF Place and date: Near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam, 24 July, 1966 Entered service at: Stockton, California Born: 26 May, 1945, French Camp, San Joaquin, California
FACT: The first award of the Medal of Honor was made March 25, 1863 to Private JACOB PARROTT. On September 9, 2010, Staff Sergeant SALVATORE GIUNTA was notified that he will be the first living soldier to receive the Medal of Honor in the War on Terror.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While Company I was conducting an operation along the axis of a narrow jungle trail, the leading company elements suffered numerous casualties when they suddenly came under heavy fire from a well concealed and numerically superior enemy force. Hearing the engaged Marines’ calls for more firepower, Sgt. Pittman quickly exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, left the relative safety of his platoon, and unhesitatingly rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense enemy small-arms fire at point blank range during his advance, he returned the fire, silencing the enemy position. As Sgt. Pittman continued to forge forward to aid members of the leading platoon, he again came under heavy fire from two automatic weapons, which he promptly destroyed. Learning that there were additional wounded marines 50 yards further along the trail, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar and small-arms fire to continue onward. As he reached the position where the leading marines had fallen, he was suddenly confronted with a bold frontal attack by 30 to 40 enemy. Totally disregarding his safety, he calmly established a position in the middle of the trail and raked the advancing enemy with devastating machine gun fire. His weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up an enemy submachine gun and, together with a pistol seized from a fallen comrade, continued his lethal fire until the enemy force had withdrawn. Having exhausted his ammunition except for a grenade which he hurled at the enemy, he then rejoined his platoon. Sgt. Pittman’s daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades. His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service.
FACT: On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No. 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On December 21, the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced. President Lincoln signed the bill and the (Navy) Medal of Honor was born.
GUEST OF HONOR & MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Sergeant Major Jon R. Cavaiani, U.S. Army (Ret) Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Vietnam Training Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 4 and 5 June, 1971 Entered service at: Fresno, California Born: August 1943, Royston, England Citation: S/Sgt. Cavaiani distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action in The Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 5 June 1971 while serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security for an isolated radio relay site located within enemy-held territory. On the morning of 4 June 1971, the entire camp came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from a superior size enemy force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani acted with complete disregard for his personal safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to move about the camp’s perimeter directing the platoon’s fire and rallying the platoon in a desperate fight for survival. S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returned heavy suppressive fire upon the assaulting enemy force during this period with a variety of weapons. When the entire platoon was to be evacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaiani unhesitatingly volunteered to remain on the ground and direct the helicopters into the landing Zone. S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to direct the first three helicopters in evacuating a major portion of the platoon. Due to an intense increase in enemy fire, S/Sgt Cavaiani was forced to remain at the camp overnight where he calmly directed the remaining platoon members in strengthening their defenses. On the morning of 5 June, a heavy ground fog restricted visibility. The superior size enemy launched a major ground attack in an attempt to completely annihilate the remaining small force. The enemy force advanced in ranks, launching a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire while the second rank continuously threw a steady barrage of hand grenades at the beleaguered force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani returned a heavy barrage of small arms and hand grenade fire on the assaulting enemy forces but was unable to slow them down. He ordered the remaining platoon members to attempt to escape while he provided them with cover fire. With one last courageous exertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered a machine gun, stood up, completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire directed at him, and began firing the machine gun in a sweeping motion along the two ranks of advancing enemy soldiers. Through S/Sgt Cavaiani’s valiant efforts, with complete disregard for his own safety, the majority of the remaining platoon members were able to escape. While inflicting severe losses on the advancing enemy force, S/Sgt Cavaiani was wounded numerous times. S/Sgt Cavaiani’s conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
GUEST OF HONOR
Lieutenant General Ronald S. Coleman, USMC (Ret) DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS General Coleman joined the Navy in April 1968 and was discharged upon his return from Danang, Republic of Vietnam in June 1970. Upon graduation from Cheyney State University in 1973, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1974. Following the Basic School in 1975, he reported to Camp Lejeune with 2d Marine Regiment and served as the Regimental Supply Officer, Platoon Commander, and S-4A. In November 1977, he transferred to 3d Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan, and deployed with Landing Support Unit Foxtrot. In November 1978, he reported to Officer Candidate School and served as the S-4, Supply Officer, Candidate Platoon Commander and Director, Non-Commissioned Officer School. He attended Amphibious Warfare School during the 1981-82 academic year and was then transferred to HQMC Officer Assignment Branch, and served as a company grade monitor and Administrative Assistant to the Director, Personnel Management Division. In August 1985, Major Coleman was assigned as an Instructor at Amphibious Warfare School. In 1987, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In 1988, he returned to Okinawa and served as the Operations Officer, 3d Landing Support Battalion; Executive Officer, 3d Maintenance Battalion; and Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 35, Contingency Marine Air Group Task Force 4-90. In June 1991, he reported to HQMC and served as the Logistics Project Officer and Head, Maintenance Policy Section, Installations and Logistics Branch. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in May 1992. In June 1993, he assumed duty as Commanding Officer, 2d Maintenance Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, and in December 1994, was reassigned as the Group Deputy Operations Officer. In August 1995, he reported to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.
FACT: The Navy medal was the first to be struck, followed quickly by the Army version of this award. There are three different types of Medals of Honor: the original simple star shape established in 1861 which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, designed in 1963 and adopted in 1965. Over the years as the Medal has become a historic symbol of the bravest of the brave, in respect to all who have earned it, little has been done to change its design. source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society www.cmohs.org
In 1996, he reported to the Pentagon in the Logistics Directorate J-4, as Deputy Division Chief, Logistic Readiness Center. He was promoted to Colonel in July 1997 and returned to Camp Lejeune in 1998 for duty with the 2d Marine Division as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4. In April 1999, he deployed to the Balkan Region and served as J-4, Joint Task Force Shining Hope. He assumed command of 2d Supply Battalion in July 1999. In June 2001 he reported to HQMC as the Assistant Deputy Commandant Installations and Logistics (Facilities) and was promoted to Brigadier General in November 2002. General Coleman reported to 2d Force Service Support Group in June of 2003 and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commanding General Special Purpose MAGTF until November 2003. He deployed again from February 2004 until June 2004 as Commanding General, Combined Joint Task Force Haiti, in support of Operation Secure Democracy. General Coleman was assigned as the Director, Personnel Management Division on 1 July 2005 and was frocked to Major General in May 2006. On 29 September 2006, General Coleman was assigned to his current position and appointed to the rank of Lieutenant General.
HUSBAND. FATHER. HERO. TRUE PROFESSIONAL. HUSBAND. FATHER. HERO. TRUE PROFESSIONAL. Dedicated to the memory of
SSgt THOMAS RABJOHN, USANG / Former Cpl USMC Staff Sergeant Thomas D. Rabjohn was born on February 19, 1970 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. 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 was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during 2003 and in 2009. Prior to mobilization, Staff Sergeant Rabjohn was a member of the Phoenix Police Department. His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Army reserve 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 was evident by his service in the Arizona National Guard, the Phoenix Police Department and the United States Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Rabjohn’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 served to develop not only those who served as his team members, but all those who served with him in the Counter IED fight. On Saturday, October 3, 2009, while serving as a team leader with the 363rd Explosives Ordinance Detection Company assigned with the 82nd Airborne Division, 741st Battalion, Regional Command East, in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Thomas Rabjohn died from wounds sustained during combat actions. He had donned the robot suit and disabled the devices he and his team had located. He removed his suit to conduct a post blast assessment and located an additional explosive device. He warned two of his team members who were able to create enough distance to survive the bomb blast that occurred seconds after Tom’s warning. Tom was killed immediately. He died a hero for his efforts to save his co-workers. He was a true professional. All who knew Tom agree he was a man who cared deeply for his family, his community, and his country and wanted nothing more than to protect them all. Tom is survived by his wife Nikki, daughters Kylee, Koree, and Kelsee, his parents Thomas and Patty, his sisters June and Nancy, and his brother Brian. He will be missed. He will be impossible to replace.
EOD Prayer Lord of power and might, whose mercy is everlasting, guard and guide those who place their lives in the balance to ensure the safety of those nearby. Look with favor upon those with the prowess and skill to disarm explosive devices, render them safe, and remove from others the threat of harm. Bless those who have been set apart by this hazardous duty, and give support to their families and loved ones who wait through each tense call.
Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation
GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DESERT MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUBGERONIMO COURSE Monday, September 20, 2010
TOURNAMENT 7:30 a.m.
Tournament Registration Cochise/Geronimo Clubhouse
8:45 a.m.
Presentation of Colors Marine Corps Color Guard Presented by Bulk Fuel Company C 6th Engineer Support Battalion Marine Corps Reserves, Phoenix, AZ
8:50 a.m.
Board Carts & Review Tournament Rules
9:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start
10:45 a.m.
Box Lunch delivered to golfers
1:30 p.m.
Cochise/Geronimo Clubhouse Hosted Reception
Receive into eternal rest those who have given their lives and bring healing to those who mourn. Grant that in the EOD Family there may be unity of spirit for the well being of all. To your glory with grateful hearts we thank you loving God. Amen.
LUNCHEON 2:30 p.m.
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance Chaplain (Capt.) Matthew D. Madison, ARNG
“SUPPORTING THE CHILDREN OF OUR FALLEN HEROES.” Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation Mission Update Jack Cummings, MCLEF Board Member Introduction of Guests of Honor MGySgt Stephen Soha, USMC
Guests of Honor Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman, USMC (Ret) Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam
Sergeant Major Jon R. Cavaiani, U.S. Army (Ret) Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam
Lieutenant General Ronald S. Coleman, USMC (Ret) Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Mrs. Nikki Rabjohn
AWARDS PRESENTATION/AUCTION/RAFFLE 3:00 p.m.
Awards Presentation/Auction/Raffle
3:45 p.m.
Closing Prayer Sgt Nick Gervase, USMC (Ret) Arizona State Chaplain for Military Order of the Purple Heart
Foundation Information
www.mclef.org (National website) www.mclefaz.org (Arizona website)