SOUTHWEST ASIA --
Airmen from the 386th Civil
Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal hosted a memorial challenge to remember
the sacrifice EOD Service members made and to raise awareness for the EOD
Warrior Foundation at an undisclosed location May 2, 2015.
The foundation provides
the active-duty, veterans, injured or ill EOD community with four pillars of
support, to include emergency financial relief, education, EOD Memorial care,
and hope and wellness. National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day is a United
States observance held the first Saturday in May, recognizing professionals who
risked their lives disposing of explosives.
“It’s more than just a
race,” said Senior Airman Jeff Glover, a 386th CES EOD journeyman. “It’s about
remembering those EOD techs that came before us who made the ultimate
sacrifice.”
“It gives me a great
sense of pride, not allowing my brothers and sisters who sacrificed so much to
be forgotten,” said Staff Sgt. John Mitchell, a 386th CES EOD journeyman. “This
[challenge] is the least I could do besides hold myself and my team to the highest
of standards.”
According to the Air
Force EOD Memorial website, 32 Air Force EOD warriors have fallen since World
War II.
“We choose to enter
situations in which the most highly trained, motivated and equipped operators
in the United States Military refuse to go,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Schroeder,
a 386th CES EOD flight chief. “We pass the hotline, enter ground zero, break
the cordon, take that long lonely walk and we do it fully aware that we may not
return.”
With progression-in-rank
and experience gained, team members become trusted team leaders. In this role,
leaders are tasked to lead a team of Airman through operations that no sane
individual would willingly enter.
“National EOD day isn't
just a day for us to let loose and throw a party or to get publicity, it's a
day of solemn remembrance,” said Schroeder. “Not only that, it is a day that
each and every one of us recommits ourselves, not just to the mission or to the
Air Force, but to every other person who shares the responsibility to clear the
way so that others may do so safely.”
Note:
The EOD Warrior Foundation is a non-profit organization and has no governmental
status.