R3 proudly sponsored this year’s EOD Memorial Golf Tournament held on May 1, 2015 at the Eglin AFB Falcon Golf Course in Niceville, FL. Rob Hodges and Jerry Shelton, pictured left and right respectively, represented R3 as a corporate sponsor, and individually as members of the Air Force EOD Chiefs Association. In addition to a wonderful opportunity to enjoy perfect weather on the links with good people, the golf tourney was another successful fundraiser for the EOD Warrior Foundation.

R3 is a proud supporter of the EOD Warrior Foundation, and it was an honor to be a sponsor of the EOD Memorial weekend events again this year. Additionally, each year R3 sponsors a Memorial Surfboard project donation to raise money at the EOD Auction.

This 8’8” custom-made artwork was shaped by Jody Miller of Panama City, Florida. The artwork was a collaborative effort between Jody Miller and Crystal Hays of Panama City Beach, FL. For the last three years, Jody and Crystal, a local tattoo artist, have collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind surfboard to honor EOD Warriors and to help raise money for the EOD Warrior Foundation.

R3’s Ken Martin, a retired Navy EOD Officer living in Panama City, is lucky enough to know these two talented people and helps with the overall theme and concept each year. When asked about the concept behind the design, Ken said, “We decided to do a long board this year. The flag was inspired originally by a waving flag tattoo with the names of all EOD Mobile Unit Eleven Fallen that Crystal designed and tattooed on the back of my leg.”

“Jody pushed his airbrush skill beyond his known abilities and felt the power and inspiration of the great sacrifices of all our fallen warriors while he worked; the artwork is like nothing I have ever seen on any board. Crystal has an amazing way of capturing the intricate details of the EOD insignia; each one is unique and expressive.”

Ken added, “Thank you for supporting the EOD Warrior Foundation! See you in the surf!”

R3 is excited to welcome aboard Michael “Pat” McLean. Pat retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013 as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group TWO Command Master Chief Petty Officer with over 26 years of service. His distinguished Navy career included a variety of worldwide leadership assignments including service as the Command Master Chief (CMC) for CJTF Paladin in Afghanistan, as the CMC for Multi-National Division North EOD forces in Iraq, and as a plank owner of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, where he codified training requirements for the entire Navy EOD force.

Pat brings tremendous leadership and management talent to R3 as well as deep expertise in EOD counter-IED operations and military training. His understanding of Navy training systems includes extensive practical experience in conducting formal classroom training, leading high risk training, and a comprehensive understanding of Navy training processes and curriculum development.

Pat is a qualified master EOD technician and master training specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior University and is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.