New names added to EOD Memorial Wall

Approximately 500 people ventured to the EOD Memorial Wall this year, as 12 new names were added to the engraved lists that now contains 338 people.  The 2018 event marked the ceremony’s 49th year.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Dressed in the bright whites, deep blues and dense blacks of their service uniforms, Airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers came together once again this past week to honor and remember their fallen explosive ordnance disposal brethren during the annual memorial ceremony at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex here.

Approximately 500 people ventured to the EOD Memorial Wall this year, as 12 new names were added to the engraved lists that now contains 338 people.  The 2018 event marked the ceremony’s 49th year.

The schoolhouse’s commander, Navy Capt. Charles Andrews, welcomed the EOD technicians, family and community to the ceremony and explained why they were drawn back to memorial each year.

“We honor the 326 heroes of past years and welcome back our legacy families,” he said.  “We also honor the 12 to be added to the wall and welcome their families to ours.”

Lt. Gen. Michael Shields, director of the Joint Improvised-threat Defeat Organization, the ceremony’s guest speaker, shared heartfelt sentiments to the families of fallen technicians in attendance.  He recounted the heartbreaking stories behind each of the new Soldiers’ and Sailors’ names added this year.

“Today, we remember.  We thank these brave souls whose sacrifices helped build the most elite EOD force this world has ever known,” he said.  “They are part of the fabric of America and one of our most endearing national treasures.”

Each year, a wreath is placed in front of each branch of service’s list of names before they are read aloud.  After each list is completed with the phrase “We remember,” and the names are saluted by an enlisted and officer EOD member.

The families of the EOD technicians added to the wall each year receive a folded flag that was flown over the memorial.

The names added this year were:

Cpl. Norman Reynolds, Pvt. Joseph Seredinski, Capt. Paul Bowman, Capt. Frederick Smith, Lt. j.g. John Och, Lt. Lawrence Heideman, Lt. j.g. Marvin Johnson, Lt. j.g. George McNear III, Chief Petty Officer Robert Schamberger and Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Morris

The ceremony concluded with an honor guard rifle volley and the playing of Taps.  Afterward, families and EOD technicians both past and present descended upon the Wall for pictures, to touch the engraved brass name or just remember a fallen hero.

US Air Force story & photos by Samuel King Jr., Team Eglin Public Affairs

PHOTO (TOP): Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Riggs removes the cover from a new name added to the Navy’s side of the memorial wall during the 49th Annual EOD Memorial Service.