Honoree: Tony M. Randolph


Tony M. Randolph
Dates: Died June 6, 2009
Hometown: Henryetta, OK
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: EOD Petty Officer 2
Player: Gaven Lane

EOD Petty Officer 2 Tony Randolph, 22, of Henryetta, Okla. was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight, Sigonella, Italy. He was killed on July 6, 2009, in an improvised explosive device attack on his convoy in Zabul province, Afghanistan.

EOD2 Randolph graduated from Henryetta High School in 2005 where he was a three-year starter and standout on the football team, where he played tackle. He also was involved in champion-class power lifting.

EOD2 Randolph joined the U.S. Navy in 2005. He was selected for the EOD program requiring extensive training, which he completed in January 2008. That was followed up with Airborne School, EOD Evaluation, and finally Basic Parachute Classification.

During his funeral, Reverend Jim Paslay described him as a “man on a mission. He seemed to understand what he wanted to do.” Paslay told mourners he had read the Navy’s creed, and three words — honor, courage and commitment — stood out. “That’s what the Navy is all about,” Paslay said, “and that’s what Tony was all about.”

EOD2 Randolph is survived by his parents, Fred and Peggy Randolph.