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INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey: Explosive ordinance disposal members put their lives on the line each time they run into a building, shelter or area containing a suspicious package or bomb.
Training and preparation are critical for every EOD Airmen, down to the clothes they wear.
“The suit we wear is designed to help protect us from the blast and fragmentation of an unknown explosive device that might go off,” said Staff Sgt. Kristoffer Solesbee, a 39th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD technician.
The war on terrorism has claimed many lives and since March, including the lives of seven EOD Airmen.
“The idea that we're voluntarily putting ourselves in danger for the war effort is something else,” said fellow EOD technician Staff Sgt. Edward Albietz, who along with Sergeant Solesbee, was recognized for efforts down range with the award of a bronze star.