YAKIMA, WA, USA
U.S. Army
MAJ, COMPANY A, 402D CIVIL AFFAIRS BATTALION, 3 SBCT, (25 ID), TONAWANDA, NY
DUWIG, IRAQ 01/26/2007
Major Alan Johnson, 44, was a civil affairs officer assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, New York, a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne). He died January 26, 2007 from wounds sustained when his team encountered an improved explosive device near Sof Duwig, Iraq. Johnson deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism in 2006.
A resident of Yakima, Washington, Johnson first entered the Army October 31, 1980, as a North Dakota Army National Guardsman specializing in Army engineering. He enlisted into the Army National Guard for a five-year tour, earning his commission as a second lieutenant in 1986.
Major Johnson started his 23-year Army National Guard career assigned to the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Jamestown, North Dakota. He transferred to the Army Reserve shortly after his reassignment from the National Guard, continuing his career in the military as a chemical officer with the 476th Chemical Battalion, Seattle, Washington, and was then reassigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, New York. Johnson mobilized and deployed to Iraq in April 2006 with the 402nd CA Battalion in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
His military awards included two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, six Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver “hourglass” device (20 years) and “M” device (mobilization) Army Service Ribbon, pistol qualification badge, North Dakota National Guard Basic Training Ribbon, National Guard 20-year Service Ribbon and the Washington State Disaster Relief Ribbon.
In his civilian life, Johnson was employed by the Yakima Country Department of Corrections as a shift sergeant. His civilian education included a bachelor’s of science degree in Work Force Education from Southern Illinois University.
Alan Johnson began working for the Yakima Department of Corrections on November 18, 1991 as a Corrections Officer. Johnson was first assigned to the Security Operations Division working as a Correctional Officer. Prior to going to work for the Department of Corrections, as an Officer of the Army National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Johnson worked with area Law Enforcement combating the introduction of drugs into the Yakima Valley.
Johnson’s contributions to the department and the community he loved were immense. His leadership, professionalism and guidance were evident in all facets of his. Alan Johnson lived for God, his family and his country. He gave his life in service for the country he loved. Alan was a true patriot. As a husband he was a leader, supporter, protector, and best friend – he was a knight in shining armor. As a father he mirrored the image of God in his ability to love unconditionally. He has positively affected the lives of many and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come. All who knew him respected him. He is loved and will be deeply missed by his family and all his friends.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Victoria, and his daughter Megan, both of Yakima, Washington. He is also survived by his father, Wilfred Johnson, of Montpelier, North Dakota; his mother, Mary Ann Hansen, of Sanborn, North Dakota; his brothers, Wayne Johnson, of Brookville, Maryland, Bryan Johnson, of Bozeman, Montana, Jeremy Hansen, of Eckelson, North Dakota; and his sisters, Marilyn Waddington, of Harrah, Washington, and Susan Roemmich, of Spiritwood, North Dakota.
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