EOD Performs Memorial Workout

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alaysia Berry
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The majority of citizens in America typically choose to remember our fallen military members by setting aside a day - Memorial Day - in honor of the sacrifices they have made for our country.

Military members take it a step further at U.S. military installations around the world by playing Taps every night in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Sept. 29, 2017, members of the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit went even further than that by performing a memorial workout in remembrance of all the EOD technicians who lost their lives after Sept. 11, 2001.

Weighted front squats, kettle bell swings, barbell rows, chest-to-bar pull-ups, and a run were exercises performed by EOD techs in vests that were no lighter than 20 pounds.

Master Sgt. Jordan Bishopp, 366 EOD superintendent, explained that EOD was a physical fitness driven career field, and you have to be physically and mentally sound to execute the Counter Improvised Explosive Device mission.

"You could be walking up and down mountains of Afghanistan, or out for days dismounted in Iraq," Bishopp said. "This workout embodies that. It pushes you to push yourself, and it pushes your team to work together to make sure you complete it."

Even though EOD techs have died while doing their job, they have left behind valuable lessons.

"They gave their lives so we could learn and stay safe," said Senior Airman Jacob Savage, 366 EOD journeyman. "A lot of our lessons are learned through the mistakes others have made."

Bishopp believes their sacrifices affect the way he does his job, because the effect on him is personal.

The EOD flight here pays tribute to fallen EOD tech, Tech Sgt. Walter Moss, in the form of a memorial near the entranceway of their building.

"I was stationed with him when I was an Airman," Bishopp said. "He was the first post 9/11 EOD tech killed in action in Iraq. It's an honor to know a man like that, and to embody the man that Walt was."

If Bishopp had the opportunity to talk to the fallen EOD techs he would want to give them a big thanks.

"We've done an amazing job, joint service wide of executing the Counter IED missions in Afghanistan and Iraq," Bishopp said. "It's a mission, especially in the Air Force that's not been seen or heard much. A lot of people don't understand. I had the honor of knowing several of the Air Force KIA's. I'm proud to have served with them, and I would just say thank you."