The EOD Warrior Foundation held an unveiling of the EOD History Path honoring the rich history and legacy of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community 9 August. Several R3 teammates attended the ceremony at the EOD Memorial in Niceville, Fla. to support the EOD Warrior Foundation’s tireless efforts for nearly a decade to make the path a reality.

“The path serves as a remembrance of all those that have ‘worn the badge’ from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, OIF/OEF and today’s current operations,” said Dean Muriano, R3’s Director for Southeast Region Operations.

(L to R): Ryan Bedner (R3), Tim Mendenhall (R3), Dean Muriano (R3), Jerry Shelton (Exec. Dir. EOD Warrior Foundation), Ben Stafford (R3), and Mike Smoot (R3)

Located adjacent to the EOD Memorial Wall, the path offers an opportunity for EOD School graduates to take their families and friends to imbue them with knowledge and a better understanding of the occupation they have chosen to perform in service to the Country. The path also provides a sacred place for all EOD badge wearers past and present to take time and reflect on the rich history of the EOD Community.

R3 teammates and spouses took time to remember our fallen, wounded, and Gold Star families at the 55^th EOD Memorial Ceremony and Ball.  This annual event recalibrates our azimuth of service to the community and refreshes our perspective of gratitude for those EOD operators who gave their all.

The EOD Memorial honors the 344 EOD technicians who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of duty.  The wall currently remembers fallen EOD warriors from 1942 to the present.

At the Ball, from left: Mike Smoot, Ken Normand, Ken Martin, Rex Rousseau, Ryan Bedner, Keanna Spencer, Chris Merwin, Mark Sanders, Dean Muriano, and Jerry Shelton.