EOD instructors receive Bronze Stars

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Four explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 366th Training Squadron, Detachment 3 received Bronze Stars during a ceremony Sept. 2 in front of the EOD Memorial at the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School. 

Family members, instructors, commanders and students joined together in recognizing the four Airmen for the work accomplished during their deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

The Bronze Star recipients all worked at the school as instructors teaching Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine students the EOD trade.
"I was honored to be able to award four Bronze Stars at the same location," said Col. Tony Pounds, 782d Training Group commander. "It's good to know they will teach the next group of EOD warriors." 

The four instructors agreed their experiences will provide insight to the future generation of EOD technicians. 

"I'm honored to be recognized for my accomplishment," said Staff Sgt. James Joiner, Air Ordnance Division instructor. "I will be able to relate classroom application to the real world and convey my experiences to my students." 

Tech. Sgt. R. Andrew Soares, an instructor in the Demolition Division for three years before the deployment, told his students that because it was a small career field he could see them again...he was right. 

"I think I saw more than 85 students I taught, while I was deployed," said Sergeant Soares. "Most of them were really surprised to see me there. I was really impressed with the way my students handled themselves down range." 

Even though only four were recognized during the ceremony, the accomplishments that were acknowledged during the ceremony reflected not only the four but the combined effort of each Airman's team while deployed. 

"Everything that was read today about me is a direct result of my team behind me," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Barnett, a team leader during his deployment and an Improvised Explosive Device, Training Division instructor. 

Capt. Thomas Eckels, Nuclear Ordnance Division officer in-charge said he was proud of the job of all the Airmen he was responsible for during his deployment and his accomplishments were a reflection of their hard work.