Army Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin

Remember Our Heroes

Army Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin, 24, of Jacksonville, Ill.

Sgt Tobin was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; died Aug. 24, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire.

Sgt Tobin, born in Glendora, CA, raised in Woodland Hills, CA moved to Manteno, IL at some point. He graduated from Manteno High School in 2005 and attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL where he participated in the wrestling program. He enlisted in the Army in January 2008.

This was his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Friends described Andrew as an outgoing and personalbe young man who was always wearing a smile. He loved to spend time with his friends and family. He enjoyed target shooting and trying to master the "Call of Duty" video game. He loved cooking outdoors and believed anything tasted better with BBQ sauce.

Sgt Tobin's awards and decorations include:

Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Air Assault Badge
Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Sharpshooter with Machingun
Marksmanship Qualification Badge-Sharpshooter with Pistol

September 12, 2011
I will remember Drew for being someone who could do anything he set his mind to. Also being a very kind & thoughtful person, that everyone liked. He was very kind to his Grandma Smith & my daughter "His Cousin" Paris Smith. Going to Jacksonville & seeing everything & everybody there, I seen how Drew touched everyone & how he will be remembered & missed!I've always been Proud of him since he was a little kid (to) Wrestling in HighSchool (to) College (to) The Military & then, getting Married.I used to say " Drew is my Nephew " now... I'm Proud to say " I'm Drews Uncle" He truly is a HERO! Thank you Drew for everything! I LOVE YOU! Your Uncle Aaron.~ Aaron S., Bradley, Illinois
September 12, 2011

I would like everyone to know that SGT Andrew 'Floater' Tobin was an EXCEPTIONAL soldier. It was nothing short of an honor serving with SGT Tobin in Afghanistan. Not many could just 'turn it on' before a patrol and then just 'turn it off' as soon as he came in. As a Platoon Leader, I'm so grateful to have had the chance to listen to Tobin's advice. As a friend, I'm even more grateful to have had the chance to hear his jokes and share some great laughs. Floater...take care of us up there. ~ Kevin P., Williamsport, Maryland

September 07, 2011
I miss you my friend and Brother. You will forever be in my heart and in my thoughts. We all miss you and wish you were still with us. ~
SPC Andrew Jones, Ft. Drum, New York

September 06, 2011
I had the honor of being one of Andrew's high school teachers. I still remember his smile, his friendliness, and the character he showed each and every day. He was a wonderful young man. ~ Donna E., Manteno, Illinois

September 02, 2011
My heart stopped for a moment when I saw your obituary and I flashed back to the year when I was in your corner at the Cal. state wrestling championships cheering you on. I remembered your toughness on the mat, your encouragement to your teammates.Thank you Lord for letting us have Andrew for a season. Thank you Andrew for your service to our country RIP.Deepest Sympathy to Katie,and Lee Ann and the family.~
Ron M., Woodland Hills, California

September 01, 2011
I knew Andrew, always called him Toby to him calling me Gonzo. He was one of the genuine people that I had considered my friend while with our unit. To know that his smile and his personality will not be with any of us anymore is a tragedy. I am so sorry for your sacrifice. We will all miss him deeply.
~ Carlos Gonzales, Perth Amboy, New Jersey

August 31, 2011
I was one of Andrew's teachers at Manteno High School. His death came as a shock to many of us as we remember Andrew from his student days as a fun loving and happy young man. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and his family during this difficult time. ~ Brent Z., Galesburg, Illinois

August 31, 2011
Something I read a few days ago touches this life so exactly, I want to share it with you all. "There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even when they are gone the light remains." [author unknown] Andrew was such a person. His life brings a glow to our hearts that will remember him always. Our sympathy to his wife, mother, brother, and family and friends. We were all so blessed to have shared this light in knowing Andrew.
~ Margaret & John M., Saucier, Mississippi

August 30, 2011
Andrew you are always going to be a smile in my heart. I love you so very much, and you are truly going to be missed by this grandmother. You have always been one very special grandson to me. There is nothing I can say or do for you now but just knowing you are up there watching over all of us here. I love you so much. ~ Grandmother Dee Schreiber, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

August 29, 2011
We met by chance in the street. your buddies bet you couldnt get a hug frm the next girl that passd you. It was me. That hug turnd into a great friendship! As you would say, "good times " i'll always be one of your P.I.C.'s I will never forget you or your electric smile and personality. Forever and always in my heart. Goodbye...... ~ Shannon M, White Hall, Illinois

August 28, 2011
I didn't think that day when you left and you said i will catch you later, that that would be the last time i would ever see you.... Tobin you were a true hero to me. thank you for keeping this country safe and free. I'll miss you Tobin. ~ Ryan N., Chapin, Illinois

Sgt Tobin was laid to rest at Asbury Cemetery in IL.

Sgt Tobin is survived by his mother, Lee Ann; father, Nicholas; wife, Katie Lynn; brother, Nicholas; adoptive grandparents, Deonna and David.

Illinois soldier, 24, killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

KANKAKEE, Ill. — An Illinois soldier has been killed while serving in Afghanistan, U.S. Army officials said.

Officials at Fort Drum in New York say 24-year-old Sgt. Andrew Tobin was killed Wednesday in Kandahar province when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Tobin, who is survived by his wife, Katie, most recently lived in Jacksonville.

An infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Tobin joined the Army in January 2008. He'd been deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and returned there in March 2011.

"He was sitting on a couch in my living room three weeks ago, talking about going back there," Manteno High School wrestling teammate Larry George told the Daily Journal of Kankakee (http://bit.ly/oRiNMg). "He was the kind of person you wanted to surround yourself with. This was going to be his last tour of duty."

Tobin was described by friends as a "jokester," ''goofball" and "class clown." People also say they were impressed with his modesty, amiability and dedication.

"He sat around with my dad and talked about the military," cousin Pam Thompson, of Bradley, told The Daily Journal. "I think he liked (the military), because he never complained about it. He wanted to become a recruiter so he could work 9 to 5 and be able to stay home with his wife. He loved his wife. He loved his whole family."

In addition to his wife, Tobin is survived by his mother, Lee Ann Smith, of Los Angeles; his father, Nicholas D, Tobin, Sr., also of California; and a brother, Nicholas Jr., of Riverside, Calif.

Army Sgt. Andrew R. Tobin was killed in action on 8/24/11.