Many EOD technicians need assistance when they return home from combat. Those who suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often find that service dogs bring relief, others who have physical injuries, including amputations, blindness, and many others, may find benefit in having a service dog for multiple reasons. The EOD Warrior Foundation is partnering with MADE in Texas Assistance Dogs to provide an EOD technician in need with a fully trained service dog. This dog is being donated in honor of former U.S. Navy EOD officer, Commander Kevin Childre, who passed away in May 2015 as a result of a bicycle accident while on a ride raising awareness for the EOD Warriors Foundation.
“We are pleased to work with MADE in Texas Assistance Dogs to find a fitting home for this beautiful animal, and a deserving EOD technician,” explains Nicole Motsek, executive director of the EOD Warrior Foundation. “We are also thrilled to honor Kevin, who meant so much to the country and did so much for our foundation. Kevin was a true dog lover and I feel this is a great way to honor his memory.”
Kevin Childre was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician who started the annual 2-Day EOD Undefeated Bike Ride in 2009 to support the EOD community, which quickly became the largest fundraiser for the EOD Warrior Foundation, raising almost $1.3 million in support of EOD families in its six year history. While on a 6-day bicycle ride to raise awareness for the cause he was in a fatal accident. The annual ride continues in four cities across the country this fall in his honor.
Wanting to honor his memory, MADE in Texas Assistance Dogs began training a goldendoodle puppy to become an assistance dog. Kevin’s last dog was also a beautiful goldendoodle named Tucker. The puppy currently in training is named KC, in honor of Kevin Childre. KC will finish training this fall and will be ready to be paired with an EOD technician in need. The EOD Warrior Foundation is working with MADE to provide the selected candidate with travel and accommodations to meet KC.
“We believe in what Kevin did for our country and feel this is a great way to honor him,” explained Hailey Jumper Mauldin, founder and executive director of MADE in Texas Assistance Dogs. “Helping fellow EOD technicians was Kevin’s life and KC will help continue the mission in Kevin’s honor. We are thrilled to be a part of this legacy.”
EOD technicians who are interested in KC can apply online at the MADE in Texas Assistance Dogs site: http://www.madeintexasassistancedogs.org.
There are over 7,000 men and women in the U.S. military who serve as EOD techs. They have one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, helping to defuse and dispose of explosive devices. They are highly trained members who are responsible for disarming, rendering safe, and disposing of bombs.
Since September 11, 2001, the EOD community has sustained serious loss of life and limbs. Since 9/11 and to date, 131 EOD Warriors have lost their lives on the battlefield, approximately 250 EOD Warriors have lost limbs, sight, experienced terrible burns, as well as paralysis, and numerous additional warriors continue to suffer from the invisible wounds of war, including traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress. The numbers of invisible injuries are unknown at this point and the suicide rate numbers are quickly approaching the number lost in combat.
Photos by Amy Richards Photography
