ALLISON, THOMAS

Thomas F. Allison was born on 28 October 1979 and was a native of Roy, Washington.  Growing up, Tom was a bright-eyed kid with a rugged build and a gleaming smile. As a grade-schooler, you could find Tom in a plastic helmet playing war or cutting up at church camp--religion was his passion. In Tom's leadership class at Washington High School, his advisor was quoted as saying he was a "silent leader." Everyone respected Tom for his leadership ability and his love of the Lord. He spent four years at AFJRROTC in Washington and loved every minute of those classes. He knew he always wanted to go into Special Operations in the Army and was selected for the "Night Stalkers" after only a short time in the Army. 

SGT Allison volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in 1998 and was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Basic Combat Training Brigade at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After graduation from Basic Combat Training, he attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he was trained as a Medium Helicopter Repairer (67U). Upon completion of AIT, SGT Allison attended Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was then assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. SGT Allison completed the Enlisted Green Platoon Course and the Basic Mission Qualification Course and was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, where he served in the Aviation Life Support Equipment Section. In 2001, SGT Allison was assigned to Echo Company, 160th SOAR(Abn) in Taegu, Republic of Korea. He deployed with his unit to multiple locations across the Pacific Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 

SGT Allison died on 22 February 2002, when the MH-47E Chinook helicopter he was riding in crashed off the Philippine Islands in the Bohol Sea off Negros Island. He was on a training mission in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The night before his accident he was talking to his parents which were telling him their concern for his safety and his response to them “Some of us will get to heaven first and I’ll just wait for your slow pokes to get there.” 

Thomas is survived by his parents, Buddy and Patricia; his brother, Scott; and his sisters, Christine and Deborah. He is laid to rest in Kent, Washington at Tahoma National Cemetery, Section 60, Site 36.  

SGT Allison was a graduate of Basic Combat Training, Medium Helicopter Repairer Course, Airborne School, and the 160th SOAR(Abn) Green Platoon Course. His awards and decorations include; the Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Aviation Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Air Medal. 

The Allison Aquatics Training Facility on GEN Brown Compound at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was dedicated in his honor. Over 10, 000 students have attended the two-day dunker training and swim tests since the opening of the facility. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SGT Thomas Allison for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.