Hayfield soldier 'loved his country so much’

KYNDELL HARKNESS , Star Tribune

James Tobiason, his sister, Nancy Mitchell, and mother, Virginia, talked Wednesday about Sgt. 1st Class John Tobiason at Gill Brothers Funeral Home in Bloomington. Tobiason, 42, was wounded when he stepped outside of a tent in Baghdad and shots were fired. He died Nov. 28. His family said they take comfort in knowing Tobiason loved the military and was ready to die for his country. “He loved his country so much,” Mitchell said. They also noted his faith kept him strong. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service medals.

Last update: December 6, 2007 - 1:03 AM

The family of a Hayfield, Minn., soldier killed in Iraq last week said he was a hero and big brother to his family, fellow soldiers and the country.

Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class John Tobiason, 42, was wounded when he stepped outside of a tent in Baghdad and shots were fired. He died Nov. 28. His family said it could take months before an investigation into how he was killed and who fired the gunshots is completed.

His brother, James Tobiason, mother Virginia Tobiason and sister Nancy Mitchell said they aren't bothered by not knowing the exact circumstances. They said they take comfort in knowing that John Tobiason loved the military and was ready to die for his country. They also noted that his faith kept him strong.

"He loved his country so much," Mitchell said.

Family members described him as a big dreamer who wanted to drum for the band, Kiss, and retire to a cabin and life of fishing. He was an enthusiastic albeit out-of-tune singer, they said.

"We loved him for it," Mitchell said.

Tobiason was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service medals. He was serving with the 847th Adjutant General Battalion of the 89th Regional Readiness Command. He was scheduled to return home in January.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday.

CHAO XIONG

Recent Local + Metro stories

Detainees in Baghdad needle Wisconsin troops about Favre - December 6, 2007

Detainees in Baghdad needle Wisconsin troops about Favre - Detainees at a camp in Baghdad, Iraq have found a way to get under the skin of guard troops from Wisconsin. More