In memory

Aliza reads the bio of her father, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Schwartz, a fallen explosive ordnance disposal Airman being honored at the 43rd Annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial Ceremony May 5, 2012, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was the guest speaker for the event that honored the technical sergeant and 17 EOD technicians. With the new names added, there are now 287 names inscribed on the memorial wall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

A somber tone

A bagpiper performs for a crowd of hundreds prior to the 43rd Annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial Ceremony May 5, 2012, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was the guest speaker for the event that honored 18 EOD technicians, five of which were Airmen. With the new names added, there are now 287 names inscribed on the memorial wall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Helping hands

Sarah Massengill, a victim of a simulated aircraft fire is secured before emergency responders move her to the triage area during a mass casualty exercise at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport April 19. The scenario called for emergency units from Eglin, Okaloosa County and the airport to respond to an aircraft on fire containing more than 40 passengers. Response, communication and accountability were among many procedures under evaluation at the exercise. Inside the airport, employees were tested on their response to an influx of friends and family members looking for information about the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates this type of major accident exercise execution every three years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Team effort

An Eglin firefighter and a Northwest Florida Regional Airport employee evaluate a victim of a simulated aircraft fire as medical personnel walk to the next victim during a mass casualty exercise at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport April 19. The scenario called for emergency units from Eglin, Okaloosa County and the airport to respond to an aircraft on fire containing more than 40 passengers. Response, communication and accountability were among many procedures under evaluation at the exercise. Inside the airport, employees were tested on their response to an influx of friends and family members (of the simulated victims) looking for information about the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates this type of major accident exercise execution every three years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

1st response

Eric Alexander, a victim of a simulated aircraft fire, is removed from the aircraft during a mass casualty exercise at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport April 19. The scenario called for emergency units from Eglin, Okaloosa County and the airport to respond to an aircraft on fire containing more than 40 passengers. Response, communication and accountability were among many procedures under evaluation at the exercise. Inside the airport, employees were tested on their response to an influx of friends and family members looking for information about the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates this type of major accident exercise execution every three years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

On the way

An Eglin firefighter brings out a stretcher to a wounded victim of a simulated aircraft fire during the mass casualty exercise at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport April 19. The scenario called for emergency units from Eglin, Okaloosa County and the airport to respond to an aircraft on fire containing more than 40 passengers. Response, communication and accountability were among many procedures under evaluation at the exercise. Inside the airport, employees were tested on their response to an influx of friends and family members looking for information about the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates this type of major accident exercise execution every three years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)