An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

EOD flight organizes special day of honor

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  "Initial Success or Total Failure" is the motto of U.S. armed forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Disposal technicians from all branches risk their lives during times of war and peace.
For this reason, Congress has designated the first Saturday in May as National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day.

Saturday, at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, members of the EOD flight organized several events to honor, remember and celebrate those who have given their lives in defense of America's freedom.

"We use this time every year to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brothers and sisters that did not return home," said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Price, 386th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight superintendent. "We also use this time to celebrate their life and the time we spent with them."

During the day of celebration and remembrance there was a 5K run, an open house, a detonation and several movies shown at the base theater.

"Starting at 6 a.m., movies shown at the base theater centered on an EOD theme," said Price, the 16-year EOD veteran. "Moviegoers saw the origins of our profession during the 'Blitz' in World War II, 'Danger UXB' based in London, 'The Hurt Locker' with modern EOD dramatics, 'Demolition Man' and 'Blown Away' just for fun."

The 5K run also started at 6 a.m. and more than 100 runners participated. After the run, EOD opened up their shop to visitors.

"We also hosted an open house," said Price. "During this time, people had an opportunity to drive EOD robots, wear bomb suits and sit in the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle."

In addition, those attending also had the opportunity to ask questions about what EOD does in the field. Food was also available for those who attended the open house.

The most rewarding part of Price's job is the camaraderie of the Airmen he works with, he said.

"I have worked with the most amazing people throughout my career and I get to see EOD Airmen make the impossible happen on a regular basis.

The day of events ended with a detonation tribute. This day of remembrance is very special for EOD across the services.

"The Department of Defense's EOD community also gathered at Eglin Air Force Base, Saturday, where the EOD memorial wall is located," said Price. "The names of this year's fallen EOD warriors were added to the memorial wall there."

Price stressed, "As EOD Airmen, we have had an extremely trying decade at war. The Air Force has lost 20 operators fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The career field is small and the losses have deeply affected their families and friends as well as our Airmen in EOD."