Even in modern times women continue to lead the way in combat. Maj. Gen. Margaret Hayward, Joint Forces Air Component Command commander, was in charge of the United Nations mandate to protect Libyan civilians and enforce the no-fly zone during Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Among those carrying on this timeless tradition are two Shaw Air Force Base female explosive ordnance disposal technicians. Women are only 5 percent of the EOD career field. They, too, armor up and go outside the wire to face danger alongside their male counterparts.

The main role of EOD technician is in the title: explosive disposal. The majority of their job comes while they are deployed, seeking out and responding to calls of improvised explosive devices and unexploded object.

As of Sept. 23, 2011, there were 53 female technicians out of the career field’s 1,049, according to the Air Force Personnel Center.

Two of those 53 are stationed here and assigned to the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Kim Mahan and Senior Airman Kristi Stubbs.

“The USAF EOD program is a very strong specialty, and the perspective and diversity our female Airmen bring with them has been vital to our success,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Hodges, EOD career field manager, Tyndall AFB, Fla. “These warriors are standing side-by-side with their male counterparts, engaging in life-threatening missions, saving lives every day.”

However, these women don’t think about themselves as being different.

“There’s no difference between the guys and the girls as long as you push yourself,”

Stubbs said, the 23-year-old Baltimore native. “As long as you prove yourself, everybody gets a chance.”

Mahan, wife and mother of two, said she’s come across issues a couple of times being a female in the career field, but generally it’s been when she’s come across other cultures while deployed.

She would jump out of a truck as the team chief, and they wouldn’t believe she was the one in charge.

“They just weren’t used to seeing a female in a combat authority figure,” Mahan explained. “Eventually, they warm up to you because you’re good at your job. When you ask them to do something, they go ahead and do it.”

A few times Mahan has encountered guys who haven’t worked around EOD women or have had bad experiences with them.

“I don’t really care what people think or if they give me a hard time,” Stubbs remarked. “I don’t notice it. Maybe I just ignore it. Everyone has to go through the same school; everyone has to do the same job. Regardless of whether you’re a female or how old you are or how well you PT, we all have the same job.”

“We have to be able to ruck for miles and lift our EOD robot,” Mahan agreed.

The robots are able to be thrown in the back of a helicopter or tactical vehicle with ease, and each consists of thousands of interlocking parts. They are primarily designed as a track vehicle with a retractable arm claw and camera, and are also capable of being armed with a grenade launcher or other infantry arsenals.

Whenever EOD detonates a bomb, the robot goes first.

On her most recent deployment, Stubbs had one overnight mission where her team trekked more than 13 miles round trip on a dismounted patrol.

A mounted patrol is when the EOD technicians head out inside of a vehicle, a dismounted is on foot, Stubbs explained. When dismounted you have to carry all of your gear, the robot, explosives and probably climb over some walls.

After getting back from dismounted patrols, Stubbs admitted she just wanted to collapse from exhaustion.

“If you don’t keep yourself in shape and keep your training up to speed, your deployment will be a lot rougher than it needs to,” Stubbs pointed out. “And deployments are a big part of our job, so it’s obviously important.”

These Airmen put their lives on the line whenever they respond to an improvised explosive device call. Explosives have been the number one threat to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, accounting for 7,800 deaths and casualties in 2010 alone, according to USA Today.

The time it takes to go from the installation to there an IED has been located or detonated can take minutes to hours, Mahan said. Occasionally, they’ll also go out for route clearing packages, which can take four to six days of long work. Anything can happen in that time frame.

“A lot of EOD techs have been in gun fights, especially when they are dismounted,” Mahan continued. “I’m pretty lucky I haven’t.”

The risks of stepping out to respond to an IED go beyond the small arms attacks. They have to watch where they move as well. Many have had their trucks hit by roadside bombs while driving, Mahan said.

On top of being physically fit, EOD technicians have to ensure they are mentally tough as well.

“You know what you’re going out to do is dangerous,” Mahan said. “As you’re responding to an IED call, you know you might run into another one at any point along the way. And that’s just when you’re mounted. When you’re dismounted, you’re expected to do more and have less equipment.”

Eyes have to be kept open when heading out on a patrol, especially when dismounted, Stubbs agreed. They stay off the foot paths and always watch for IEDs on the ground.

“It’s safest to take the road less traveled,” Stubbs said.

“Again, I’ve been lucky,” she remarked. “I’ve had trucks in front of me or behind me hit, but never mine.”

Once Stubbs was out on a patrol and a pressure plate detonation trigger was missed, Stubs recalled.

“A couple of us had just walked over it. Fortunately, someone found it before anyone stepped on it.”

Even when they arrive at the location they are called to, the bomb disposers have to remain alert, Mahan said.

“We take several precautions,” Mahan went on. “When you step out of your vehicle you have to make sure you aren’t stepping on a pressure plate and look to see if there are any others that have been missed.”

Every situation is unique, Stubbs added. Even if they are similar, they will still be slightly different.

“It’s not good to just go on muscle memory when responding to an IED call,” she continued. “Obviously it’s there, but you have to keep an open mind to be able to change up procedures on the fly. This becoming clockwork can trip you up sometimes.”

From the time we get the call, to getting to the scene and dispose of the explosive, our eyes have to be open and our minds alert, Mahan pointed out.

When en route to take out an IED you run through your mind what you and your team need to do, Mahan continued. This way everyone knows exactly what they’ll do when arriving on scene.

Being downrange and hearing an explosion go off can be pretty stressful, Stubbs said.

“You hear it and you know someone might have gotten hurt and you are going to get the call soon and be the one to clear the area,” Stubbs continued.

Whenever she heard it, the alarm would strike her to the core.

The high stress and danger of the job puts a strain on them, so EOD troops learn to trust and rely on each other as a family.

“The last time I was in Afghanistan, we were in en route to a forward operating base,” Mahan described. “As soon as we rolled through the gate we were waved out of the convoy by some Army EOD guys we didn’t know. They welcomed us with open arms.”

The family mentality even carries over stateside, she continued.

“My husband always has a babysitter if he needs a break while I’m deployed. They’ll also call him up and invite him out for guy’s nights.”

Losses become pretty personal since they see themselves as family.

“We all know people who have been lost,” Mahan said. “Even if you don’t know them, someone you know does. They are still your brothers. Each loss takes its toll.”

About three years ago, a Shaw EOD tech Senior Airman Joshua Labott, was injured in Afghanistan combat, Mahan said.

“That was a pretty crappy day,” she recalled. “We knew someone was hurt and someone else was killed, and were able to narrow it down to his team. It really sucks when that stuff happens.”

Labott did survive his attack and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a “V” for valor.

Stubbs lost a couple of guys from her flight and some others were injured.

“It was hard,” she remembered. “I went through training with them. When it happens, you just lean on your team members and try not to think about it because there is still a mission to accomplish. You move forward and deal with it later.”

Even with the risk involved in being EOD, these women are loyal to what they do.

“I don’t think about the dangerous parts of this,” Mahan explained. “I just do what I’ve been taught. I think about keeping my guys and those around me safe. At some point, it might catch up to me, but so far it’s working out.”

“What we do is a huge part of this war right now,” Stubbs said. “I work to make sure I am up to speed to do my part in the fight so that others can rely on me.”

Though her life is put on the line when she deploys, Mahan said she doesn’t really think about that and it wouldn’t be a reason for her to leave.

“Any thoughts of not reenlisting have mostly never been related to EOD,” she explained. “The hardest time I’ve had questioning getting out was on my last deployment, and it was about missing moments with my new son.”

Mahan boiled down the reason why EOD techs continue to do what they do.

“Disarming an IED and saving a truck full of lives is a pretty rewarding feeling,” she remarked. “I keep doing this because I love my job and this family.”

Then she added, “Plus, it’s always fun to blow stuff up.”

via Feature – EOD women dispose of threats.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – It’s midnight at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan and the team leader for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight is running from door to door in his PT gear yelling “get up, it’s go time!”

Warnings are coming over the giant voice system outside, exclaiming “incoming, incoming, incoming.” Two rockets have been fired onto the base, shaking the Airmen rooms as they lace up their boots.

It takes the EOD techs no more than 10 minutes after getting out of bed to be fully geared up and ready to go on their next mission, and four more rockets have already been fired into areas where they will be headed next.

There are two three-man EOD teams and a team leader at Bagram. They are a part of the 966th Air Expeditionary Squadron, and support Combined Joint Task Force Paladin.

As EOD technicians, responding to indirect fire or rocket attacks on base is just one of their many inherently dangerous jobs.

EOD techs are experts in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials and explosive devices. The unit helps insure freedom of operations in a deployed environment by locating, identifying, disarming, neutralizing, recovering and disposing of hazardous explosives, CBRNE and incendiary items.

They neutralize criminal and terrorist bombs, clear areas of explosives-related contamination; perform post-blast analysis after improvised explosive device attacks and dispose of unserviceable and outdated munitions.

By providing their EOD capabilities, the teams make it possible for service members deployed to Bagram to complete their missions with confidence, knowing EOD is only one call away.

“We can’t do our job without EOD, there’s just no way,” said Air Force Tech Sgt. Eric Fox, team leader with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Quick Reaction Team known as the Reapers.

“For example, we called them out for a rocket we found, and it’s the same type of ordnance I’ve seen used in IEDs in the past,” he said. “By them coming out and destroying it, that’s one less IED [the enemy] can use against BAF or us. Not to mention the multiple IEDs they can diffuse, saving our lives, before the enemy can diffuse them on us.”

To be an EOD tech, the Airmen went through a rigorous nine-month course where they had to pass more than 50 tests that challenged not only their intelligence and attention to detail, but their physical endurance and mental capacity. Throughout their careers they constantly train and try to stay one step ahead of the enemy.

“The EOD school was definitely a challenge to get through,” said Air Force Capt. Dan O’Neil, EOD tech deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan from the 158th Fighter Wing with the Vermont Air National Guard. “The standards are very high and it takes a very well rounded and motivated individual to get through that type of training.”

EOD techs make up less than one percent of the Air Force with a little more than 900 Airmen on active duty status, not even 170 positions in the Air National Guard and even less in the Reserve. However, EOD Airmen account for 17 percent of casualties during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Air Force.

There are currently more than 70 EOD Airmen deployed to Afghanistan supporting CJTF Paladin, 18 of them are Guard, five of which are assigned to Bagram.

Apart from deploying and completing their various missions throughout the area of responsibility or any country they are needed in, the EOD Guard provides their expertise to their home bases in the states and the surrounding area.

“Guard EOD is important because we provide a cost effective solution to the high operations tempo of overseas deployments, while conducting a robust portion of State-side EOD missions,” O’Neil said.

“Especially in the States – we conduct range clearances; we travel with political dignitaries to ensure they’re safe from explosive hazards, we respond to bomb threats and provide training and advisory support to civilian authorities,” he said. “Most importantly, when aircraft are loaded with munitions and countermeasures, they need EOD techs there to support the flying mission.

“Active duty EOD is already struggling to achieve all of its mission set with its current manpower, with help from the Reserve and Guard,” he continued. “I don’t know how they would do it without the support from the Guard.”

Whether they are active duty, Guard or Reserve, EOD Airmen fill a much-needed role here in Afghanistan that not only keep the airfield clear, but makes service members, coalition forces and the local Afghan population feel safer knowing EOD is there.

via 966th AES EOD active duty, Guard, Reserve save lives, deny terrorists victory.

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) – Master Sgt. Brandon Livingston, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight superintendent, was awarded his fourth Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, March 23.

Livingston distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service as the operations NCO in-charge, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2011 through November 2011.

He directly oversaw EOD operations supporting the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion’s route clearance patrols and International Security Assistance Force United Kingdom counter improvised explosive device division.

Additionally, he coordinated the execution of more than 275 combat operations and the clearance of approximately 70 improvised explosive devices across the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

“It’s always an honor to receive this award, but what we do isn’t for awards, it’s just business as usual,” Livingston said.

The EOD career field is one of the most dangerous jobs in the war fighting environment today. IEDs are the No. 1 threat to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, accounting for 7,800 deaths and casualties in 2010 alone, according to USA Today.

“We have lost 20 Airmen in EOD, roughly 25 percent for Air Force casualties since 9/11 started, I’ve lost a lot of friends,” Livingston said. “When we lose one person it doesn’t just affect the flight downrange or the flight there from, it affects the entire career field. We are tight, we’re family.”

Tasked with identifying and neutralizing IEDs in deployed locations, EOD technicians are continuously put into harm’s way. With so many lives in their hands, the Airmen who make up this elite unit must operate with the utmost commitment to the mission.

“We have the upmost pride for our job, our badge means everything, but we also humble ourselves because it’s not just us going out there and doing the mission,” Livingston said. It’s the support of everybody that gets the mission accomplished.”

With nearly 20 years of service, Livingston’s resume boasts many experiences and accomplishments. However, his most memorable moment isn’t one of defusing ordnances or foot patrols in austere environments, but being a mentor to his younger Airmen.

“Becoming an EOD superintendent of a flight is the highlight of my career,” he said. “As an Airman coming in, I never thought I would be where I am today. It’s nice to take the knowledge and experience that I’ve learned over the years and pass it along to the younger guys while watching them grow up.”

via EOD Airman receives fourth Bronze Star.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. – A Reservist just doing his job, was one of the last of his kind to step foot out of Iraq.

Master Sgt. Travis Hargitt, a 446th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight specialist returned from a six-month deployment to Ali Base, Iraq.

Servicemembers who work in EOD neutralize and dispose of explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction using X-ray equipment, robotics systems, and remote-controlled tools and techniques.

“The mission was to support air flow in and out of the base to facilitate the Iraq draw down,” said Hargitt. “The Army controlled the base; the Air Force owned the flightline and took care of anything EOD related in that area.”

The 22-year-Reservist said that he worked side by side with the Army throughout his deployment when the Army worked outside the wire, the Air Force was there to support them by keeping the base secure.

“We were driven to be there by the Air Force, but the support provided was 70 percent Army and 30 percent Air Force.”

Hargitt said he was there for the drawdown of troops in Iraq, which was complete near the end of 2011.

“As the drawdown took place, everyone funneled through Ali Base, said Hargitt. “Myself and an active duty Air Force memeber turned out to be the last EOD tech’s to leave Iraq. I remember thinking it was surreal. I asked myself, ‘Are we really leaving, is it really over?’

“Hargitt always give 110 percent to his job here at home station and I have no doubt he gave even more on his deployment,” said Maj. Meghan Plendl, flight commander for EOD here. “I’m proud to have him as one of my own.”

via Boots off the ground in Iraq.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AFNS) – There is a bloodstain on his boot. He says it’s a reminder of a day he probably couldn’t forget, even if he tried.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Guinn, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician deployed here from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been nominated for a Bronze Star and Army Commendation medal with valor for his response after a soldier stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device while on a foot patrol.

While assigned to the 966th EOD Flight, Operating Location-Bravo, in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province, Guinn and his team augmented a U.S. Army platoon on foot patrol in search of IEDs. Near the end of the operation, a Soldier on the patrol stepped on a pressure plate and was catapulted into a nearby well. Guinn rushed to the Soldier’s aid.

“I jumped in the well and saw that both of his legs were gone and he was in danger of loosing his arm,” Guinn said. “That’s when my brain switched off and my training took over.”

Guinn and his EOD team members quickly applied tourniquets to each of the Soldier’s thighs and one to his arm. He later found out that the tourniquet he placed on the Soldier’s arm saved the limb from amputation.

Tech. Sgt. Diana Guinn, fellow OL-B EOD technician and Kenneth’s wife of six years, was at the flight’s command and control center when the call came in that a patrol in Panjwai was hit and there was a triple amputee. She said when the call came in, the entire office went silent.

“I knew Kenny’s team was on patrol so when the battalion called and told us there was an injury, a triple amputee, during the operation, I was worried,” she said. “It was a huge relief when Kenny called and told us that both of our EOD teams were ok.”

Diana said that the medical staff that worked to save the Soldier’s arm lauded her husband’s quick response and combat life saver techniques.

“The medical staff said that he saved that Soldier’s life,” she said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Guinn is not only doing great things in combat situations, he is standing out among his peers on the counter-IED front. In the first month of his deployment, he and his team found and cleared 48 IEDs in the Panjwai district, the most of any EOD team in Regional Command-South.

Because of his experience outside the wire, Guinn was selected to work on a partnership training team with the Afghan National Army. Currently, he trains, mentors and subsequently validates ANA soldiers through a number of operations to safely identify, investigate and render safe unexploded ordnance and IEDs.

Once the ANA soldiers are successfully validated, they can conduct IED-D operations independent of coalition forces, adding one more team to the fight against the enemy’s deadliest weapon in Afghanistan.

“I think being able to share real-world experiences with the Afghans is extremely beneficial,” Guinn said. “We share all the lessons we have learned the hard way, so they don’t have to do the same. Eventually the ANA can take over and run missions on their own.”

As Guinn continues to train the ANA soldiers, his past reminds him of the impact his team has on Afghanistan’s future.

“I don’t think we will be able to successfully withdraw from Afghanistan unless we train the Afghan National Security Forces to follow in our footsteps and independently continue the mission,” he said. “I think the fruits of our labor will become evident only after we turn over the counter-IED mission, and if the teams that we validate are not successful with their mission, then we have failed with ours.”

via EOD Airman nominated for Bronze Star.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Airmen of the 966th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Operating Location-Bravo, assist in the transition of their mission in Afghanistan to the Afghan National Army as the only U.S. Air Force partnership training team in Regional Command South.

The EOD technicians train, mentor and subsequently validate ANA soldiers through a number of practice and real-world operations to safely identify, investigate and render safe unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices.

Afghan National Security Forces counter-IED training began in 2007 in Mazar-E-Sharif. There, Afghan soldiers attend EOD and Improvised Explosive Device-Defeat schools after successfully completing classes and tests within their platoon. Those who graduate are sent back to their platoon to train with coalition forces during a dry validation process on ANA camps with inert devices. Once validated, the soldiers are sent out for live validation in the villages of Afghanistan with real-world operations alongside coalition forces.

Once the ANA soldiers are successfully validated through both processes, they become certified and can conduct IED-D operations independent of coalition forces, adding one more team to the fight against the enemy’s deadliest weapon in Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Kenneth Guinn, OL-B partnership team, has conducted both dry and live validation here with the ANA.

“I think being able to share real-world experiences with the Afghans is extremely beneficial,” Guinn said. “We can share all the lessons we have learned the hard way, so they don’t have to do the same. Eventually the ANA can take over and run missions on their own.”

According to U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Oates in 2010, then director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device-Defeat Organization, counter-IED operations in Iraq are a good model for the way ahead in Afghanistan.

“One major component was training the local security forces,” Oates said. “Once the Iraqi security forces became appreciably better, we saw a reduction in the number of IEDs. And I think you will see the same thing in Afghanistan.”

Fakhr Uddin, an Afghan National Army soldier currently training with the OL-B partnership team, said the Air Force mentors are important to his training and he appreciates them being in Afghanistan.

“Our country has a lot of IEDs,” Uddin said. “I want to become an EOD technician in order to defeat these IEDs.”

The counter-IED mission in Afghanistan remains important to everyone in the country, to include Afghan civilians. As Guinn continues to train the ANA soldiers, he is reminded everyday of the impact his team has on the country’s future.

“I don’t think we will be able to successfully withdraw from Afghanistan unless we train the Afghan National Security Forces to follow in our footsteps and independently continue the mission,” he said. “I think the fruits of our labor will become evident only after we turn over the counter-IED mission, and if the teams that we validate are not successful with their mission, then we have failed with ours.”

via EOD Airmen mentor ANA on counter-IED mission.

Staff Sgt. Michael Pasley, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, is presented the Bronze Star by Col. Scott Enold, 39th Mission Support Group commander, March 5, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Pasley earned the Bronze Star for his actions while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

via EOD Airman receives Bronze Star.

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – When a deployed Travis explosive ordnance disposal Airman heard the hollow boom and felt the rumble from the blast of a detonated improvised explosive device from his tent, he immediately sprang to action to secure the area with fellow EOD Airmen.

Through the chaos of radios calling for assistance and medics rushing to the explosion site, the EOD Airmen were able to maintain composure, gear up and follow their training procedures.

In recognition of such actions as well as his mental resilience in combat, Staff Sgt. David Adkins, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron munitions NCO in charge, threw the first pitch at the Vacaville National Little League opening night March 2 in Arlington Park.

Travis EOD Airmen such as Adkins are extensively trained to disable explosive weaponry commonly found in deployed locations and, in worst-case scenarios, reactively respond to detonated devices.

Once at the site, Adkins and EOD wingman Tech. Sgt. Ronnie Brickey successfully disabled another IED.

After the explosion area was cleared, Adkins and Brickey began clearing a space so the body of a Soldier who died from the blast could be medically evacuated. During this time, another Soldier stepped on a third IED at a close proximity.

“I don’t really remember how things went after that,” Adkins said.

Despite his haziness, a concussion, ruptured ear drum, exhaustion and dehydration, Adkins picked himself up and continued the mission by clearing the second IED blast.

“I kind of just focused on the task at hand and was able to take care of what I needed to do,” he said.

While Adkins’ tenacity proved to be great in combat, the traumatic events lead to a mental strain that remained present after the physical wounds healed.

“Once I was medically evacuated to Kandahar and had time to think about what happened, I had a rough time,” he said. “I wasn’t sleeping for more than a couple of hours a night. When I was sleeping, I was having nightmares.”

Adkins recognized he needed help to sustain his mental health, he said. He sought and received the support needed from friends and family as well as professionals provided by the Air Force.

“I talked with a mental health doctor,” Adkins said. “He helped me identify and work through some issues I was having.”

As an Airman who experienced the immediate wounds and the lasting, stressful, mental harm caused by a traumatic combat event, he offered this advice to other Airmen who may find themselves in a similar situation.

“Don’t push it away or keep it inside,” he said. “You may have to force yourself to deal with things. Push yourself to figure things out.”

Despite the harsh reality of a highly demanding career field which has a possibility of placing life and limb in danger, Adkins continues to serve the Air Force in the EOD field.

For Adkins, the inspiration and drive to become a mentally fit Airman have never been difficult to find.

“I really enjoy the job and the guys I get to work with,” he said. “I know that we save lives doing what we do.”

via Feature – EOD maintains mental health.

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., – The best way to deal with an improvised explosive device or an unexploded piece of ordnance is to blow it up in a controlled fashion. But what if that device is deep in a well, cave or underground irrigation system which can’t be compromised by an explosion?

The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal flight at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., stays proficient in mountain warfare training to handle various situations such as this.

Based off the Marine Mountain Warfare Training in Bridgeport, Calif., this training sets these Beale Airmen apart in the already elite and dangerous EOD career field. No other EOD flight in the Air Force keeps a continuous training program like theirs.

After a 2008 deployment to Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Arin Finch, 9th CES EOD flight chief, along with retired EOD technician Larry Finan, started developing the Air Force Mountain Warfare program.

“During my deployment we were constantly going into wells, karez systems, and into caves to remove or destroy caches of weapons and explosives,” Finch said. “Not having the proper training on rigging and ropes in near vertical situations was placing [Airmen] in compromising situations. This training gives us the ability to perform our jobs safely, making us a force multiplier and keeping us from being a liability to ourselves.”

After attending the official course with their Marine counterparts, EOD technicians continuously train on the various implements of climbing or repelling in the mountainous terrain around the base. Finch said the constant practice has created experts in the art of removing objects from almost any location.

During a recent trip to Auburn, Calif., Finch and his team simulated a situation where a Hellfire missile neutralized an enemy location, leaving a casualty and a weapons cache to be removed. They lowered the casualty from a 200-foot cliff, then entered a cave on the side of the same cliff and extracted a cache of various explosives to a location safely below.

“The experience and knowledge flight members learn in exercises like this will help them when deployed as they work constantly with the other services,” Finch said.

As several flight members prepare for upcoming deployments, they take the lessons from Finch and other experienced EOD Airmen from Beale have learned and prepare to put it to use.

“The way we learn to tie knots, and manipulate ropes has become invaluable during deployments in unforgiving terrain,” said Staff Sgt. Gene Tschida, 9th CES EOD technician who has been deployed to mountainous terrain three times and prepares to do so again. “Being able to pass these skills onto other Airmen gives us practice and will help them as they go into unknown situations. This all gives us the edge when it comes to spending hours on end in unlevel terrain.”

via Feature – Beale EOD stays proficient on unlevel terrain.

Staff Sgt. Andrew R. Piirainen, whose hometown is Grafton, Mass., is one of 77 service members invited to the dinner to express the nation’s gratitude to and recognize the contributions of those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation New Dawn. He was selected to represent his home state of Massachusetts at the dinner.

Sergeant Piirainen has been stationed at Hill AFB most of his eight year career, but has also served three six-month tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During his last tour in Afghanistan in September 2011, he and another Hill Airman, Senior Airman Andrew Staud, were injured along with five others when they were called to clear an improvised explosive device from a field where an Army team was patrolling. Sergeant Piirainen was given a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained.

The White House has invited nearly 200 people to the formal dinner, including military leaders and families of deceased service members who died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Approximately 60 invitees, such as Sergeant Piirainen, were selected by a panel of the senior enlisted service members of each branch of the military to represent each state and territory in the nation and come from diverse backgrounds, all services and all ranks.

via Air Force sergeant invited to White House dinner.

MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. – A new member arrived at March Air Reserve Base a few weeks ago and is now a part of the 452nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. The Air Force Medium-Sized Robot, also known as Andros HD-2, is made by Remotec and will replace the previous robot used at March ARB which was the Andros F6A.

The AFMSR is not only faster and stronger, but it is also more versatile and digitally advanced. It has an improved camera, mounted on the robot, and an all-in-one control with monitoring system that displays clearer quality images. Unlike its predecessor, which used a small television monitor for viewing the not-so-clear images, this camera has the ability to pan and tilt. The control and display component is also more portable and completely digital allowing for more precise, mobile remote viewing and controlling.

Senior Master Sgt. Dale Griffin, 452nd EOD Flight, explains that transitioning to an all-digital system seems to work well with the younger Airmen because they are more familiar with the latest video game technologies which uses the same system.

The flip switches and joysticks have been replaced with a smaller remote control consisting of a series of buttons surrounding a clearer display monitor. Even the climbing capacity   has greatly improved with the ability to climb at 45 degrees.

Master Sgt. Justin Alonzo, 452nd EOD Flight, has gone through the Remotec course and is more familiar with the maintenance of these robots. He says using robots removes the direct risk EOD service members would be exposed to when responding to possible explosive devices or other dangerous situations.

The AFMSR will soon be employed against any suspect packages or suspect items that may be found on base. Although some devices are small enough to fit in a backpack and easier to use, they are not as strong as the AFMSR.

Griffin said he will not miss the fuzziness of the images from the older TV monitors.

“The clarity of the camera and monitor allows us to read things on our display such as nomenclatures and get more details from the suspect item before making a decision,” he said. “Even though you can see a device, it is important to be able to read any writing or other details on it that can be used later in an investigation.

“The AFMSR, a very durable robot that can be used for reconnaissance in urban or rural areas and in most weather conditions, is capable of lifting much heavier objects than the older model.

Griffin said they can even use this robot during a hostage situation. The feature of having two-way communication between the operator and the robot allows the robot to approach a hostage situation so that the controller can talk to the hostage through the robot and receive a better visual for identification.

The EOD flight is currently undergoing training on their latest addition while they continue to use the previous model for current operations. Traditional reservists will train on this new system as they prepare for possible upcoming deployments.

“As long as we get everyone trained, like I know we will, it’s a considerable improvement. It has greatly enhanced our capabilities,” said Griffin.

via High-tech robot newest member of March Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight.

With more than 300 people in attendance, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta began his visit with a town-hall meeting, stressing the importance of Barksdale to the nation.

“[Barksdale] is one of our premier air bases, and I wanted to stop here and tell you all how important this base is,” he said. “It’s a key priority for us, and it will remain a key priority in the future.”

He also thanked the men and women of Barksdale for their service and dedication.

“The most important weapon we have is you – the men and women who wear the uniform,” he said. “This country has asked a lot of you over the last 10 years, and everything we’ve asked of you, you’ve done, and done well.”

During his remarks, Panetta addressed the challenges faced by all those in the Department of Defense, as leadership works to identify nearly half a trillion dollars in spending cuts.

“This is a historic and challenging time,” he said. “We’ve had some great successes, and now we face some tough choices.”

When deciding on a military strategy for the future, Panetta told the Airmen that he and his top service chiefs identified several focus areas. First, they highlighted the need to maintain the strongest military in the world. They also wanted to concentrate on making smart force structure choices, so as not to hollow out the force. Finally, the department wanted to keep faith with the troops and their families.

“All of that represented the guidance we needed as we developed the strategy for this country,” Panetta said. “We know we’re going to have a smaller force, but that force is going to be agile, quickly deployable, flexible and technologically advanced.”

He concluded his remarks by acknowledging the impact of the changes facing the military as a whole.

“If I have to take a half a trillion in cuts, it’s not going to come without pain and impact,” he said. “This is not going to be easy. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re doing the right thing, and we’re putting a strategy in place for the future.”

Following his speech, the Defense Secretary held a brief question-and-answer session with Barksdale Airmen, covering topics ranging from force structure and the defense budget to the development of a new long-range bomber.

Panetta then re-enlisted six Barksdale Airmen, and presented medals to five Barksdale Airmen for their service during recent overseas deployments.

One of the Airmen receiving a medal from Panetta was Maj. Emil Rebik, Air Force Global Strike Command Installations and Mission Support directorate. Rebik received the Bronze Star from Panetta for his service as the executive officer for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Battalion in Afghanistan. During his nearly six-month deployment, he was responsible for 15 joint Navy, Army and Air Force EOD teams.

While Rebik is honored to receive the Bronze Star, he said it is really a testament to the personnel he worked with, and those who were lost along the way.

“It’s an honor to be presented the medal by the SECDEF because it exemplifies the sacrifices so many of our EOD brethren have undertaken,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Craig, 2nd Security Forces Squadron, was presented the Air Force Commendation Medal for service during a seven-month deployment to Oman. During that time, he was responsible for training, validation and certification of every Military Working Dog team, kept all records pertaining to the MWD program and oversaw the construction of the first MWD kennel facility.

“I’m very pleased and honored to be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal,” Craig said. “I also appreciate those who noticed my hard work in Oman and who felt I deserved the honor of it being presented by the Secretary of Defense.

“Having [the medal] presented by one of your top superiors who takes the time to visit Barksdale makes it even more special,” he added.

Following the medal ceremony, Panetta presented the 2nd Bomb Wing with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its exceptional meritorious service.

The Defense Secretary wrapped up his visit with static tours of the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-2 Spirit and the B-1B Lancer, followed by a briefing on the strategic deterrent capabilities within Air Force Global Strike Command.

via SecDef praises Global Strike Airmen.

“We must ensure our Airmen and their families are safe, healthy and resilient,” said Roy. “Strengthening resiliency among Airmen and their families is one of our key focus areas. Our continued high operations tempo in deployed locations demands attention to reintegration with families.”

He also focused on strengthening resiliency in Airmen in career fields such as remotely piloted vehicle operators, who affect the battle space from home station. Roy said the sustained high operations tempo both at home and abroad stresses the need to deliberately increase focus on building strong, resilient families.

“Resilient Airmen are better equipped to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands, and continuously get the job done,” said Roy.

To emphasize the service’s dedication to wounded warrior care, Roy was accompanied by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers, an explosive ordnance disposal technician nicknamed Dez.

“Dez was seriously injured while conducting a post-blast assessment on a vehicle in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force in September,” said Roy. “Airmen like Dez are on the front lines in a variety of areas of operations and they are also providing Airmanship skills to combatant commanders around the world,” said Roy. “They are constantly deploying, leaving behind families and friends.”

He said the Air Force continues to strengthen our support for wounded, ill, and injured team members.

“The Air Force is committed to providing them individualized, focused medical and non-medical care to the nearly 510,000 uniformed Airmen and more than 181,000 Air Force civilians who make up the total force team,” said Roy. “In 2011, recovery care coordinators increased service to our wounded, ill, and injured by over 30 percent and now support about 1,000 Airmen and their families.”

Roy testified alongside the sergeant major of the Army, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, and the master chief petty officer of the Navy. The senior enlisted leaders spent more than three hours with the subcommittee discussing pay and retirement benefits, force shaping, military housing, education services for military children, sexual assault prevention and reporting, and suicide.

via CMSAF testifies before Congress.

Airman 1st Class Cody Frediani used CPR training to help save the life of a stranger here Aug. 31, 2011.

It was just after 4:30 p.m. and Frediani was headed home for the day. All that remained on his to-do list was a pit stop at the gas station and he was free for the night. As he ambled into the store and took his place at the back of the check-out line, his eyes were drawn to the parking lot where cluster of people had gathered, all wearing anxious expressions and huddling around a gas pump.

“I heard someone say a man had fallen down and was unconscious,” Frediani said. “I ran outside and found the man on the ground lying on top of a gas nozzle.”

According to his decoration write-up, Frediani singlehandedly and without hesitation began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the lifeless heart attack victim while maintaining control of the situation and ensuring no further harm was done.

“My first thought was to get the gas pump out from under him and check his vital signs,” Frediani said. “I found him unresponsive and knew I had to perform compressions.”

Having recently taken a CPR course, Frediani was no stranger the procedure. However, no amount of training could have prepared him for what happened next.

“There is no way to describe what it’s like to feel someone’s ribs cracking beneath your hands,” the EOD apprentice said. “When you go through CPR training, the instructors warn you it will happen, but to experience it is something else entirely.”

With the sun beating down on his back, Frediani performed CPR for an exhaustive 15 minutes before emergency response personnel arrived on the scene and took over.

“I was getting very minor responses,” he said. “I could tell he was trying to breathe; short gasps of air kept escaping from his throat, but he wasn’t able to breathe on his own. When they loaded him into the ambulance, the last thing I heard was that he had a pulse again.”

Though Frediani was never reunited with the stranger whose life he helped save, the two men will share a connection forever.

“When I was 19, my dad had a heart attack,” Frediani said. “All I wanted was the chance to speak to him again. I am very proud to receive the Air Force Achievement Medal, but my greatest reward is knowing I gave a father and son more time.”

via Andersen Airmen recognized for life-saving actions.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dallas Bozeman, 820th Combat Operations Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, shows other members of his squadron how to identify an improvised explosive device during field training at the military operations in urban terrain village Feb. 8, 2012, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Bozeman was recently deployed to Afghanistan and was recognized for his job performance as an by receiving the Maj. Gen. Eugene A. Lupia non-commissioned officer category award. Bozeman also received a Bronze Star Medal in April of 2011 for past missions down range.

via Moody Air Force Base – Media Gallery.

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Keeping the nation safe from threats both foreign and domestic is one of the Air Force’s top priorities. One of those threats is various types of explosives. The Airmen of the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron, explosive ordnance disposal flight in charge of removing them take the job very seriously.

The EOD team is responsible for identifying, removing and eliminating volatile weapons such as pipe bombs, flares, ammunitions and different types of improvised explosive devices, said Airman 1st Class Adrian Salapare, 60th CES, EOD apprentice.

Given the various types of explosives, the EOD team must respond to each of these threats accordingly, when they are contacted by the authorities.

“Usually, they’ll contact command post and then command post will contact us, tell us what it is and send us pictures of whatever it may be,” Salapare said. “We’ll take our explosives, go over there, assess the situation and do whatever we need to do for that type of call. Blow it up out there or take it back with us to blow it up on our range.”

When responding to a call, EOD uses a variety of equipment to determine the type of threat they face including tool kits to remove obstacles, x-ray machines to see inside objects and remote-controlled robots to examine and disarm any explosives.

Using the remote controlled robot is always preferred over sending in an Airman because it is safer Salapare said.

“We try to do everything remotely using the robot and the very last resort is obviously putting on that bomb suit or whatever suit we need to get down there.”

In addition to the robot, the x-ray machine is another essential piece of equipment. EOD uses it to respond to potential threats such as a suspicious backpack or package.

“We’ll try to use (an x-ray machine) to figure out what’s inside of it and what type of device we are actually dealing with,” Salapare said.

Once the explosive is located and removed from the area, the EOD team must eliminate it either onsite or on the EOD range. They use precise techniques to expose of the device, Salapare said.

“We have a certain formula that works out to show how far we need to be in, we’ll give ourselves a little bit more room for that warm and fuzzy because you don’t want anything going wrong,” he said. “100 percent safety.”

via Feature – EOD, answering the call.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) — The 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight here was named as the best in the Air Force recently.

For its outstanding 2011 accomplishments, the flight was recognized with the Senior Master Sgt. Gerald J. Stryzak Award as part of the overall 2011 Air Force Civil Engineer and Environmental awards.

The award, named in honor of an EOD technician who died in a 1980 aircraft crash in Egypt, recognizes the EOD flight that distinguished itself as the top performing unit in the Air Force throughout the year.

“Everyone in the flight was honored to be recognized for their hard work,” said Tech. Sgt. Samuel McCalister, a 2nd CES EOD technician. “Having to stay on top of training and equipment issues in between exercises and inspections, along with our high deployment rate, takes a combined effort from everyone in the flight.”

Immortalized in the 2008 film “The Hurt Locker,” the EOD career field is one of the most dangerous jobs in the warfighting environment today. Improvised explosive devices are the No. 1 threat to coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, accounting for 7,800 deaths and casualties in 2010 alone, according to USA Today.

Tasked with identifying and neutralizing IEDs in deployed locations, EOD technicians are continuously put into harm’s way. With so many lives in their hands, the Airmen who make up this elite unit must operate with the utmost commitment to the mission.

“Everyone here is entirely dedicated, from our lowest ranking Airman to our lieutenant,” said Tech. Sgt. Eric Gordon, a 2nd CES EOD technician. “The level of effort we put into our missions is the highest possible.”

The award is one category of the larger annual 2011 Air Force Civil Engineer and Environmental awards, recognizing units and individuals in 36 categories throughout the Air Force civil engineer community. Air Force civil engineer leaders are scheduled to recognize the award winners at a ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., on Feb. 23.

This marks the 50th anniversary of the civil engineer awards.

via Air Force recognizes top EOD flight

Air Force District of Washington – Air Force officials have recognized the outstanding performance and exemplary service of an Air Force District of Washington civil engineer staff action officer.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark J. Thrower, explosive ordnance functional manager assigned to AFDW Logistics, Installations and Mission Support (A4/7), was awarded the Maj. Gen. William D. Gilbert Award in the enlisted category. The award is based on significant accomplishments, mission impact, resourcefulness, initiative, teamwork, and quality of work.

“We are incredibly proud of Senior Master Sergeant Thrower and the outstanding contributions he makes to AFDW,” said Col. Peter Sartori, A4/7 director. “Sergeant Thrower was just awarded his second Bronze Star at the last AFDW commander’s call for his exceptional bravery; this award distinguishes his tremendous accomplishments year round.”

Some of Sergeant Thrower’s accomplishments include leading a team of 33 EOD technicians with a 100 percent success rate and zero casualties during a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. He coordinated responses to IEDs threatening more than 4,000 Operation Enduring Freedom service members from the United States, Afghanistan, Romania, Australia, and Lithuania; while planning EOD support to 18 major operations and 298 missions – destroying 331 IEDs.

At his home station here at Joint Base Andrews, he facilitated the return for four EOD Airmen wounded in action, ensuring they had a family liaison officer assigned to assist them and their families. He was also responsible for oversight to the team of emergency responders protecting 95,000 personnel and aircraft valued at more than $1 billion.

via AFDW Airman earns AF-level EOD award.

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Since the beginning of the Global War on Terror, many U.S. Airmen have deployed to Southwest Asia and the Middle East for combat and support operations.

For many, the most difficult part of their experience is being away from family and friends. For some, the most difficult part is dealing with an increased workload. But for a select few, those obstacles are only a small portion of what they think about — after encountering direct enemy fire from machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, while trying to disarm 2,000 pounds or more of homemade explosives.

Because explosives and improvised explosive devices are the main threat to U.S. forces in the region, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen have been thrust into a central role to combat the deadly threat.

These EOD Airmen play a vital role in ensuring the safety of U.S. ground forces.

“EOD is tasked to render safe and dispose of any explosive hazards, to include conventional weapons; nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons; IEDs; and aircraft explosive hazards,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Edmund Spivak, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight commander. “Our deployed mission is mainly focused on eliminating IEDs, conducting post-blast analysis, and providing technical data to attack the insurgent network.”

Because they have such a daunting skill set to master, their training is on-going, said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brook Hamilton, 49th CES EOD journeyman.

“Basically we’re explosives experts, so we have to know how to safely disarm any bombs we come across,” he said. “Because of our mission, we have to really be familiar with the characteristics of munitions we could encounter in other countries. We also must have extensive knowledge of electronics, survival skills, and combat infantry skills, and have the ability to work with and deal with people from other countries.”

Often times, multiple skills in their repertoire are tested in a single mission.

“When I was in Afghanistan, I was working with the Army 1st Infantry Division out of Forward Operating Base Andar, and we where tasked to assist at one of the village’s key leader meetings,” Hamilton said. “They flew us there in Chinooks and when we got there, the terrain was miserable. All of us were soaking wet and muddy, and on top of that, the people there seemed pretty uncomfortable.”

“At the meeting, all of the villagers were yelling the whole time, so I could tell something was going on,” Hamilton said. “We finished the meeting but everybody was pretty uneasy. As we’re leaving, we’re waiting for a helicopter in a field not too far away and we start hearing some pop shots — they were shooting at us with rifles — and it breaks out into full machine guns and RPGs. It was over quickly — it was only a couple of minutes — but it was incredibly exciting to utilize the other training I had received.”

EOD Airmen often have to integrate with the other U.S. military service branches, but sometimes they are embedded with foreign militaries, as Spivak was from September 2010 to April 2011.

via Feature – Bombs beware, EOD will be there.

Staff Sgt. Travis Groeschel, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with the 96th Civil Engineer Group, moves an extendable arm to a simulated suspicious package during a demonstration at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The EOD flight is responsible for many of the range missions involving explosives. They also respond to suspicious packages or recovered unexploded ordnance found in the area.

via Explosive Airman.

The ANDROS F6 is investigating the improvised explosive device. The robot is part of the explosive ordnance disposal squad to safely secure explosive hazards. This scenario is part of a peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise, Beverly Bulldog 12-01, held to train U.S. forces throughout South Korea.

via EOD renders explosive safe during exercise.

MAIN OPERATING BASE LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Airman 1st Class Seth Reinhart, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician from the 466th EOD Flight, Operating Location-Delta, trains for a mission using a computer that controls a robot which can be used by an EOD team to get close to suspected Improvised Explosive Devices while they stay protected in an armored vehicle. The mission of the Airmen of OL-D is primarily focused on countering the IED threat, destroying enemy caches and munitions stockpiles, and responding to threats of indirect fire.

via U.S. Air Forces Central – Media Gallery.

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Two members of the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight were awarded the Bronze Star Medal Jan. 9.

Master Sgt. James Jones, non-commissioned officer in charge of EOD operations, and Tech. Sgt. John Johnson, an EOD craftsman, were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom last year.

Jones filled the crucial role of non-commissioned officer in charge, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations support, for the 26-man 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, Operating Location Charlie. He led operational support for six EOD teams in five locations protecting the U.S. Marine Corps’ 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and the United Kingdom’s counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) division.

According to his citation, Jones’ actions ensured the execution of 278 counter IED operations and the clearance of 73 IEDs across Regional Command Southwest. Additionally, his aggressive foresight ensured mission capability amid constant mission change. His skillful execution of logistical movements totaling 137 tons in vehicles and equipment valued at $24 million allowed the seamless transfer of authority and declaration of Operating Location Charlie’s mission complete.

“My personal position was an operational sergeant for reporting and working with the teams to make sure they had all the logistical support to do their mission and pushed information down to them from leadership,” said Jones, a 23 year veteran with multiple deployments under his belt, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Jones said he was honored to receive the Bronze Star especially since his family had a history of distinguished service.

“My family is all military, all the way back to my grandfather,” said Jones. “He was in [the Army] during World War II. He basically walked all the way through the different battles [from D-Day Plus 3 to the Battle of the Bulge] before he received his fourth Purple Heart.”

Jones said his grandfather would be proud of him for being awarded this medal.

Sergeant Johnson provided direct support to the Marine Corp’s Second Combat Support Battalion in Regional Command Southwest. He led over 100 route clearance missions, cleared 1.8 thousand miles of critical supply routes, and defeated 24 improvised explosive devices.

According to his citation, his superb leadership and technical expertise were heavily tested during a nine-day, 120 mile route clearance patrol mission. His audacious actions led to the disposal of six IED devices containing a combined 250 pounds of explosives. His actions facilitated the safe recovery of personnel, retrieval and damaged assets, and mission continuation.

Receiving the Bronze Star was a bittersweet moment for Johnson, who reflected on some difficult moments of his career.

“I have lost many friends over the years from all branches of the service during these wars. During this particular deployment, I lost one friend and soon after returning, the team (three EOD members) that I trained to replace me was killed in an IED strike. We in EOD have a good support system. We get together and talk about the good things and times we had with the folks that we have lost. I also have my family that understands what we do and they are there for me when I need them,” said Johnson.

“Here at the flight we are proud of our two Airmen and this represents years of hard work and dedication to the Air Force,” said Capt. Kelly Mattie, 18th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight commander. “As a senior NCO in the EOD career field Master Sgt. Jones was instrumental in keeping his EOD company focused and motivated during an arduous deployment supporting the Marines. As one of our EOD team leaders, Tech. Sgt. Johnson’s decoration represents not only his achievements, but those of his entire team. He truly represents an incredible combat leader by bringing home all of his team unharmed in such a hostile environment.”

The Bronze Star Medal recognizes acts of heroism, single acts of merit, or meritorious service.

via Kadena EOD Airmen awarded Bronze Star

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 21st Space Wing family suffered a tragic loss last week after receiving news that Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance technician, was killed in Afghanistan Jan. 5 by an improvised explosive device.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family in this time of grief,” said Col. Chris Crawford, 21st Space Wing commander. “He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and we will never forget him, nor the others who have met the same fate fighting for freedom both here and abroad.”

Two other EOD Airmen were also killed in the attack. They are Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, 23, of Erie, Pa., assigned to the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; and Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, Mich., assigned to the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

Seidler, 24, was from Westminster, Md. He entered the Air Force in November 2009 and arrived at Peterson in January 2011. He was the first Airman from the 21st Space Wing killed in action since the wing’s inception in 1992.

Tech. Sgt. Jason Warden, 21st CES EOD craftsman, said, “He was almost the perfect Airman. He was really polite and he was really big on customs and courtesies.”

Seidler could often be found in the shop after work studying the equipment or for classes. “You could tell that he was completely devoted to what we do, and he immersed himself completely in it. He turned into an incredible EOD Airman and enjoyed what we do,” said Staff Sgt. Mathew Kimberling, 21st CES EOD craftsman.

The EOD shop is a close family, Kimberling said, and Seidler would often organize group hikes and activities. “He really enjoyed being here in Colorado, especially the outdoor life,” Kimberling said.

Seidler was driven, committed and would take on any challenge because he wanted to be the best at everything he did. “He loved doing the incline,” Warden said. “Last Friday, we all went as a shop to (hike) the incline in his name.”

The EOD community is very small, with less than 1,000 members Air Force-wide, Kimberling said. “When the news spreads it hurts everyone whether you knew them directly or whether it’s just the fact that he was an EOD brother. Everyone feels it.”

Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, 21st CES commander, added, “EOD Airmen have been vital to Operation Enduring Freedom, and unfortunately, the pride we’ll feel when we see Matt’s name on the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin AFB will not extinguish the sorrow we feel from his loss. We will never forget Matt’s sacrifice and dedication to his critical, yet dangerous, mission.”

Seidler’s funeral will be held Jan. 17 in Virginia where he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held on Peterson AFB at a later date.

via Peterson AFB members honor fallen EOD Airman.

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. – Tech. Sgt. Matthew Schwartz, 90th Missile Wing Civil Engineer Squadron, was killed in action Jan.5 in Shir ghazi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, when the vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

“We all mourn the loss of Sergeant Schwartz,” said Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander. “Our sincerest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”

via 90th Missile Wing loses one of our own.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  – An Airman from the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron here was killed Jan. 5 while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Airman Bryan Bell, a member of 2 CES Explosive Ordnance Disposal, died following an improvised explosive device attack in Shir ghazi, Helmand province, Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense release today.

Bell, 23, from Erie, Pa., was assigned to Delta Company, 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Afghanistan and had been deployed there since October 2011. He arrived at Barksdale in May of 2008 and had been in the Air Force for nearly five years.

A memorial service is being planned by base officials. More details will be released as they become available.

via BARKSDALE EOD AIRMAN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler died Jan. 5 from injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan.

Seidler, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron here, was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“This is a tragic day for Team Pete, the 21st Space Wing, the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron and especially for Matt’s family,” said Col. Chris Crawford, 21st SW commander. “We will come together to help Matt’s family and friends through their grief.”

Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, 21st CES commander, echoed Crawford’s statements, adding, “EOD Airmen have been vital to Operation Enduring Freedom, and unfortunately, the pride we’ll feel when we see Matt’s name on the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin AFB will not extinguish the sorrow we feel from his loss. We will never forget Matt’s sacrifice and dedication to his critical, yet dangerous, mission.”

Seidler, 24, entered active duty in November 2009, and was from Westminster, Md.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

via 21st CES Airmen killed in Afghanistan.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE Ill– – For Senior Airman Blake Witte, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, conducting operations in a combat environment has multiple challenges. Even though all Air Force EOD operators are highly trained, if they’re deploying, they get to attend the Combat Battlefield Ready Airman (CoBRA) before they reach the AOR. Witte, who is assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, is taking the mandatory four-week course prior to his deployment. CoBRA is conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The training prepares deploying EOD Airmen in ground combat operations to include: weapons, radio communications, vehicle operations and intelligence briefings on their AOR. Additionally, the course features a mock contingency environment where Airmen can train extensively on EOD and improvised explosive devices (IED) operations. Master Sgt. David Pinkham said this type of training can’t be duplicated at home station. There is a mock village with several threats that EOD deployers could encounter on a typical mission. Pinkham added that EOD members now deploy for a six month tour. The 932nd Airlift Wing, is the only Air Force Reserve unit that flies the C-40C. The mission is to provide worldwide, safe, first-class airlift to the nation’s civilian and military leaders.

via Airman hones EOD skills.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Eight-time Stryzak Award winner, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008; Gen Lupia Military Technician of the Year, 2002; NCO (Noncommissioned Officer) of the Year, 2002 & 2009; Sijan Leadership Award winner, 2006; 12 OAY (Outstanding Airmen of the Year), 2009; three-time Bronze Star recipient, 2011

NAME: MSgt Paul Horton

HOMETOWN: Corpus Christi, TX

CURRENT DUTY: Peterson AFB, CO

JOB TITLE: Chief, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight

JOB DESCRIPTION: Locate, identify, render safe and dispose of conventional, biological, chemical or nuclear ordnance. Also support VIP missions for the U.S. Secret Service, State Department and other federal agencies.

via Amazing Airmen:  MSgt Paul Horton

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – Fairchild security forces stopped a civilian woman from attempting to enter the base through the outbound lanes Dec. 3 at 11:45 a.m., prompting the base to close the main gate for nearly five hours. The woman was detained by security forces and was later released to the Spokane County Sheriffs Office and Washington State Patrol where she was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation.It was determined that the womans vehicle should be thoroughly searched, so the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called upon to perform the search. As a precaution, the surrounding area was evacuated by first-responders, including security forces, firefighters and an EOD team. Following that, the vehicle was deemed not to be a threat and the base went back to normal operations. ”Our security forces, firefighters and explosive ordinance disposal teams did exactly what they are trained to do — respond, assess and take the necessary actions to secure the scene,” said Col. Mike Hill, 92nd Mission Support Group commander. “They did a fantastic job doing just that.”The wing commander appreciates the efforts of all who were involved.”The safety and security of everyone at Fairchild is one of my top priorities, and Im proud of the way our Airmen responded,” said Col. Paul Guemmer, 92nd ARW commander. “Its unfortunate when things like this happen, but its good to know that Team Fairchild always comes together to resolve any situation that arises — we truly have a group of highly trained, professional Airmen.”The incident remains under investigation.

via Suspicious vehicle prompts gate closure Saturday.