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<p><em>Rodney Edgar “Rod” Mosbacker</em> was born in Cincinnati, OH but came to us from Batavia, OH, a small town in the heartland of America. Being raised in a religious, patriotic, and multi-generational home set Rod’s character and love of family from an early age. Rod loved telling his children and grandchildren about his childhood. Stories about the farm that his family lived on were some of his favorite tales: how he was sprayed by a skunk, how he would go to the barn on Christmas Eve just before midnight because his grandfather told him that at this magical hour the animals could talk (but he always fell asleep while waiting), how he loved his pony and dogs and cats, how he hated weeding his grandmother’s roses, how he created adventures with his brother, his cousins, and his various friends.</p>
<p>Rod graduated from Batavia High School as a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in track, basketball and cross country, and was a member of the French Club and the Student Council. The Scouting program was part of Rod’s life from his early years. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager. He was registered with the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years and volunteered in the organization for his entire life. As an adult, Rod earned the Boy Scouts of America’s prestigious Silver Buffalo Award for noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth on a national basis.</p>
<p>Appointed to USMA by Congressman William H. Harsha Jr., Rod continued his interest in French and Scouting with membership in the French Club and the Scoutmasters Council. Rod was quickly recognized by his classmates for his kind and gentle persona, his faith, and his spirit of adventure. Bob Wells remembers that Rod could make a sandwich from anything. If there was nothing available but mashed potatoes, that’s what would go between two slices of bread! </p>
<p>During his cadet years and beyond, Rod was a friend to all. He was the unofficial company secretary, always ready to help locate a classmate. Impressed by the sacrifices of those who went before him, Rod was eager to serve his country and the communities in which he lived. He was particularly inspired by the selfless service of the U.S. Army Rangers, at one point noting that he was “in awe and wanted to be part of the Ranger tradition.” Inspired by the Ranger ethos, Rod branched Infantry and volunteered for Vietnam. Rod’s Oath of Office was administered by Colonel Roy A. Murray, a World War II Ranger commander and father of roommate Roy A. Murray. Following graduation Rod reported to Fort Benning, GA for airborne and Ranger training and the basic course. After a “short tour” with 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, CO, he was off to Southeast Asia to command a company. Following his command time, he was transferred to the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) at Phu Bai as assistant brigade S-1. In this capacity he was able to help a classmate who wanted time “in the field” by suggesting he join patrols as an observer. His position on brigade staff helped facilitate the classmate achieving that goal. </p>
<p>Following his Vietnam tour, Rod returned to Fort Benning for the Jumpmaster Course. Next came an assignment in Germany and another return to Fort Benning for the advanced course. In 1976 he transferred to the Reserves, with periods of active duty from 1978 to 1982. He served in Reserve Components Personnel Administration in St. Louis, MO and finally in Army Portfolio Management Solutions (part of TRADOC). He left the service in 1986 as a major. </p>
<p>During his time in Germany, Rod discovered a copy of the Book of Mormon. Reading the Book inspired his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, an affiliation he maintained for the rest of his life. On December 2, 1976, Rod married Linda Dillon in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were blessed with four children: Patrick, Christopher, Greg, and Laurel; they in turn provided 11 perfect grandchildren. </p>
<p>Rod’s separation from the Army did not end his government service. He worked in the Federal Defense Contract Administration until retirement in 2012. Because of his easy-going personality, he made many friends throughout his years of government employment. </p>
<p>Rod had significant health challenges in his later life. He had cancer twice and survived his second cancer occurrence through a bone marrow transplant. Rod and his family were grateful for the compassionate care provided to him for many years through the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City. He died on March 18, 2019 in the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veteran’s Home in Payson, UT.</p>
<p>From Infantry company command in Vietnam to years as a civil servant, to contributions as a Scout and Church leader, Rod epitomized the ideals of selfless service. His character and values are best reflected in a deep and personal faith and his beloved family.</p>
<p><em>— Patrick Mosbacker, son, and a classmate</em></p>
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