Alan R. Blohm

Private First Class, United States Army

July 26, 1985 – December 31, 2006
Age – 21
Kawkawlin, MI

Operation Iraqi Freedom
425^th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4^th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25^th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, AK

Died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while on combat patrol in Iraq

Pfc. Blohm of Mich, graduated in 2004 from Bay City Western High School, where he was a 250-pound defensive player for the football team. His size prompted the coach to nickname him “Biggins Blohm.”

Alan became actively interested in the military while a junior in high school, and wished to pursue a career with the state troopers once he completed his military service. He chose to follow in the footsteps of both his grandfathers, Alan Blohm (namesake) who served in the Army and was assigned to Fort Richardson 50 years prior to Alan’s assignment, and Chet Vennix who served in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. He also attended St. Bart’s before attending Bay City Western.

Alan joined the U.S. Army in September 2005 while living in Alaska. He completed basic training and advanced individual training as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in January 2006. He then completed airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Alan was once quoted in the paper as saying, ‘The First Amendment is what makes this country great”, and lived and breathed his dream accordingly. Alan had a deep belief in helping others and a strong desire to serve his country. He worked as a commercial salmon fisherman during the summers in Kenai, Alaska form the age of 14 until he enlisted. He was also a member of the American Legion George H. Plumley Memorial Post 20 in Kenai, Alaska.