Who is Tom Pomautuk from Ice Hunt and what is their importance?

Tom is an ensign with the Navy. Tom is charged with watching over Bane when Jenny, Matt, Craig and John are told they can go to the Ice Station to meet with Amanda. When the Russians take over the Omega Drift Station, Bane bolts and heads for the Otter, taking Tom with him. They hide there until Jenny and Kowalski escape and join them. Jenny recognizes his name, knowing his father from the Iditarod.