AFSC 3E8X1
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Awards
See also: Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Awards
Technical Sergeant Stephen T. Holt distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 86th Airbase, Fetesti, Romania. During this period, Sergeant Holt deployed for 90 days in support of three fighter squadrons and immediately assumed the Senior Enlisted Leader position, mentoring 61 Mission Support Group Personnel. His actions led to the improvement of the overall quality of life of the entire detachment and garnered recognition by the Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Additionally, he directed a team of three Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians to maintain continuous emergency response capabilities for 35 F-16 aircraft and their mission to deter Russian aggression while simultaneously protecting NATO's frontline. Furthermore, Sergeant Holt coordinated several key facility build-ups, including the setup and powering of a deployed classified processing tent, a deployable debriefing facility, and several bed down tents, and initiated the infrastructure design plan for a 13-unit maintenance compound. Finally, he managed two Civil Engineer teams and swiftly identified and corrected 25 emergency and routine infrastructure projects for critical facilities, sustaining the squadron's ability to provide unwavering air superiority and overwatch to it's eastern allies. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Holt reflect credit upon himself, the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Technical Sergeant Connor B Stiles distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as EOD Team Leader, 480th Fighter Squadron, Fetesti Air Base, Romania. During this period, Sergeant Stiles deployed for 180 days with the 480th Fighter Squadron and immediately became a leading point of contact for the unit's Romanian counterparts. Additionally, Sergeant Stiles directed a team of four Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to maintain around the clock surveillance and emergency response capabilities for the protection of twenty four F-16 aircraft, deterring Russian aggression in Romanian air space and protecting NATO's frontline. Furthermore, Sergeant Stiles arranged and participated in the stand up of several key facilities, expanding defense capabilities by fifty percent. During the transition, he led his team in the loading and unloading of 49 transport trucks, resulting in the successful movement of over three hundred thousand pounds of ground cargo. Finally, Sergeant Stiles pioneered and led two breakfast burrito events, raising over 400 dollars for the purchase health and morale items for local area families. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Stiles reflect credit upon himself, the 480th Fighter Squadron and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Michael B. Fachko distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Craftsman, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. During this period, Sergeant Fachko was selected to provide support to the U.S. State Department mission to Ankara amid the emerging Israel-Gaza conflict. His exceptional vigilance and attention to detail contributed to the around the clock security of a 47-vehicle motorcade and a 765,000 square foot hotel housing 38 U.S. diplomats, including the Secretary of State. Additionally, Sergeant Fachko navigated the complex series of Turkish customs requirements for the importation of critical security equipment. His diligence facilitated the delivery of the Air Force's newest robotics platform, replacing an aging system and saving the Air Force over 22,000 dollars in transport costs. Finally, Sergeant Fachko diagnosed and resolved issues with the flight's 3D printers which he used to create 3D renderings of foreign ordnance, render-safe tools, and training aids in-house, improving training capabilities and keeping training up to date with the latest intelligence. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Fachko reflect credit upon himself, the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Master Sergeant Rebecca J. Hale distinguished herself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Plans and Operations, 377th Civil Engineer Division, 377th Mission Support Group, 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico from XXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Hale's superior leadership and management ensured the safety and security of the nation by providing a premier Explosive Ordnance Disposal team that was recognized with two "Excellent" ratings during consecutive Nuclear Surety and Unit Compliance Inspections. In addition, Sergeant Hale's supervision ensured the combat readiness of the 15-person branch as demonstrated by a collective 22 successful deployments. Further, as a Kirtland Exercise Evaluation Team member, her knowledge and experience guided the base through seven successful exercises in preparation for higher headquarters inspections. Finally, Sergeant Hale managed the deployment of 13 Explosive Ordnance Disposal operators, providing over 2,000 manhours in direct support of the United States Secret Service at locations around the country, ensuring explosive device protection of the President, Vice President and key dignitaries. The distinctive accomplishments of Master Sergeant Hale reflect great credit upon herself, the 377th Civil Engineer Division and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Kenneth O. Kephart distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Craftsman, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron, 355th Mission Support Group, 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona from XXXXX XXXXX to XXXXX XXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Kephart was directly responsible for the protection of twelve million dollars in aircraft and aviation assets from explosive hazards and played a vital role in the flawless execution and termination of 19 aircraft emergencies. Additionally, Sergeant Kephart responded with southern Arizona law enforcement agencies 23 times to support the meticulous recovery of hazardous and explosive ordnance, expanding the agency's experience with evolving threats. Finally, Sergeant Kephart was selected as EOD Team Chief at the White House Complex in Washington, DC, and participated in Secret Service Support Missions for over 90 days, during which he provided protection for the President of the United States and his family. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Kephart reflect great credit upon himself, the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron and the United States Air Force.
