EOD open house

Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen compete in a six-mile relay-run on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. The Airmen ran a mile for each of the six Air Force EOD technicians killed in action in 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen perform push-ups around an EOD 9-bomb disposal suit after completing a six-mile run on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. The Airmen performed 20 push-ups to honor the 20 Air Force EOD technicians killed in action since March 29, 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

Members of the explosive ordnance disposal flight pose with an EOD 9-bomb disposal suit after completing a six-mile memorial run on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. The first Saturday of May is National EOD day, honoring past and present EOD professionals. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Derek Horn (left) and Master Sgt. Christopher Wakham (right) help Airman 1st Class Maurice Aldrich don an explosive ordnance disposal 9-bomb disposal suit during an EOD open house on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. Visitors were given the opportunity to wear the same suit that EOD technicians wear in the field. Horn, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD apprentice, is from Atlanta. Wakham, 4th CES NCO in-charge of EOD flight, hails from Lewisburg, Tenn. Alrich, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics apprentice, is from Erie, Pa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Todd Cole views displayed equipment gathered by explosive ordnance disposal personnel during the EOD open house on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. The EOD open house spanned from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and gave visitors a glimpse into the EOD profession. Cole, 4th Operations Group superintendent, hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeff Garren (center) demonstrates the functions of the F6-A explosive ordnance disposal robot to Airman 1st Class Maurice Aldrich (left) and Staff Sgt. Adam Usher during an EOD open house on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., May 1, 2012. The F6-A has multiple uses to include scouting, explosives diffusion and transporting hazardous material. Garren, 372nd Training Squadron mission ready airmen instructor, hails from Greenville, S.C. Alrich, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics apprentice, is from Erie, Pa. Usher, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD journeyman, is a native of Langhorne, Pa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho/Released)

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EOD open house

Published May 3, 2012
By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- In honor of explosive ordnance disposal technicians who have fallen in combat the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight hosted an open house here, May 1.

Every first Saturday of May is National EOD Day, which is a time to honor those who are serving and have served as EOD technicians in the United States Armed Forces. In addition the names of the 18 Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine EOD technicians killed in action during the last year will be engraved on the EOD memorial located on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

To kick-off the day the EOD flight held a six-mile EOD 9-bomb disposal suit run. The Airmen ran six miles for each of the six Air Force EOD technicians killed in action in 2011. At the end of the six-mile run the Airmen performed 20 push-ups, one to honor each Air Force EOD technician killed in action since March 29, 2006.

The EOD Airmen also hosted an open house at their shop. People who attended the open house learned about the EOD technician's craft, such as tools they use and equipment they wear. Visitors also had the opportunity to operate the F6-A EOD robot and try on the EOD 9-bomb disposal suit.