BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN - The 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion held the 3rd Annual Memorial Service to honor their fallen service members Friday.
The EOD memorial wall, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., displays the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since World War II.
The wall, which was dedicated in 1970, holds more than 200 names. For the name to be displayed on the wall, the man or woman had to graduate from an approved EOD school and given their life on active duty during an EOD mission. Friday, there were 17 names added, bringing the total to 232.
"Everyday, EOD is on the ground walking the long walk," said Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Puig, 3rd EOD Battalion.
Ninety-nine percent of EOD's tasks involve actually engaging the enemy weapon systems by themselves, said Puig. They either disarm the device or collect it for later detonation or it's destroyed in place.
EOD technicians are highly-trained and face some of the most perilous and volatile situations alone.
This ceremony is to remember service members that have fallen in peacetime or war to shield others from unexploded ordnance.
"These are America's sons and daughters who answered their call - their sacrifice mattered then, today and always - we remember," said Army Lt. Col. Kyle Nordmeyer, 3rd EOD Battalion commander.
Social Sharing