Alan R. Johnson – Major, United States Army

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NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 106-07 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2007

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Major Alan R. Johnson, 44, of Yakima, Washington, died January 26, 2007, in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee at Muqdadiyah, Iraq, the same day. He was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, New York.

For further information on this soldier, contact the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command public affairs office.

Biography Courtesy of Mrs. Victoria Johnson:

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.

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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. As a newly appointed Second Lieutenant he moved to Yakima where he was appointed in the Washington Army National Guard in April of 1987. He was assigned as Platoon Leader of Company A, 1st Battalion of the 303rd Armor Regiment. Johnson served the 1st Battalion, 303rd Armor in a variety of positions including Armor Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader, commander of Company A, Company C, and Headquarters Company. Johnson also served the 303rd Armor as a Battalion Staff Officer serving such assignments as Tactical Intelligence Officer and Air Operations Officer. During the reorganization of the Washington Army National Guard in early 1999, Johnson was reassigned to take command of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Battalion. In January of 2000, Johnson was tasked with standing up the recently formed Chemical unit and was reassigned as the Detachment Commander of the 420th Chemical Battalion headquartered at Yakima, Washington.  In December of 2000, Johnson rejoined the 1st Battalion, 303rd Armor Regiment where he was assigned to the Battalion Staff as the Logistics Officer/S4. Major Johnson and shortly after was moved to the position of Logistics Officer of the 81st Separate Infantry Brigade (Mechanized). In December of 2003 Johnson transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.

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.

In 1995, Johnson was selected to become a Work Crew Officer. His duties included working within the community with a team of inmates.

In 1996, Johnson was selected as the Training Coordinator for the department, a position he held for almost 3 years.

In 1999, in addition to his regular duties, Johnson was selected to work on the Jail Transition Team, overseeing the development, construction and opening of the Yakima Valley Community Restitution Center.

In May 2000, Johnson was promoted to the rank of Shift Corporal overseeing the day-to-day operation of the evening shift at the Restitution Center.

Johnson was promoted to the rank of Shift Sergeant on December 1, 2001, where he continued to serve the department until he was called to Active Military Service with the United States Army Reserve to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Professional affiliations include:

  • Washington State Jail Association
  • National Field Training Officer’s 
  • Teamsters Local 760
  • Former member of the Yakima County Sheriff’s Reserve

Department Education included:

  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – Basic 
  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – First Level Supervision
  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – Mid-Level Management
  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – Command College
  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission – Train the Trainer
  • Washington State Criminal Justice raining Commission – Field Training Officer
  • American Corrections Associations – Basic
  • American Corrections Associations – First Level Supervision
  • American Corrections Associations – Mid-Level Management

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.

  • JOHNSON, ALAN R
  • MAJ   US ARMY
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 12/30/1962
  • DATE OF DEATH: 01/26/2007
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 60  SITE 8533
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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