Saluting a lost soldier

Veteran’s Day always brings back so many wonderful memories of my Brothers and Sisters in arms. One specific young man was SFC Michael (Tobi) Tobiason. He was a native of Minnesota and was a proud NCO in an Army Reserve unit there. I had the honor of going with Tobi and 48 other unit members to Iraq. Tobi was a by-the-book Sergeant who drove his men but at the same time, loved them dearly. Though in a combat zone, Tobi would salute me briskly and then promptly come over and give me a big hug. He expected high standards from his Soldiers and he got them (even from his officers). Unfortunately, in January 2008, while taking some morale and welfare time, Tobi was killed by a sniper. It was men and women like Tobi that made me proud to have worn the uniform. They were always reaching for higher standards and when they moved up, they pulled their battle buddy up with them.

– Ron Mavity

Maryville