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Jan 29 2026
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In Memoriam ~ Honoring Our Fallen EOD Teammates

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January 2026

The National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association pauses to honor and remember members of the EOD community who have recently passed. These men served with distinction, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. Their legacy lives on through their families, their teammates, and the generations of EOD technicians they inspired.

 

     ⚫ BM1 Frank Arthur Heinrich, USN (Ret.)

20 January 2026 | Age 66 | Hilton Head, South Carolina

BM1 Frank Heinrich was an EOD and SEAL veteran whose life was defined by service, discipline, and an unrelenting love for the ocean. A graduate of BUD/S Class 111 and EOD Class 5B-86, Frank served with UDT-12, UDT-11, ST-5, NSWDG, EODMU-2, and EODMU-6, among others.

Beyond his professional achievements, Frank was a devoted father, mentor, and family man—known for his energy, humor, and what he affectionately called “mandatory fun.” His lessons in sailing, knot-tying, and perseverance shaped not only capable sailors but also resilient young men and women.

Frank is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Funeral Mass and military honors will be held in Beaufort, South Carolina.

His Obituary: Here
His Find-A-Grave Profile: Here

 

    ⚫ SGM James Paul “Jim” Gist, Jr., USA (Ret.)

21 January 2026 | Age 94 | Petal, Mississippi

Charter Member, NATEODA | Member #87

SGM Jim Gist proudly served more than 31 years in the United States Army, beginning his EOD career during the Korean War and continuing through Vietnam. A 1955 EOD School graduate, Jim was among the earliest members of the National EOD Association and a lifelong advocate for the profession.

A man of deep faith and quiet humor, Jim cherished time with his family and community. His service helped lay the foundation for today’s EOD force, and his commitment to the Association will not be forgotten.

His Obituary: Here
His Find-A-Grave Profile: Here

    ⚫ SGM Juan B. Ponce, USA (Ret.)

4 January 2026 | Age 68 | Elkton, Maryland

Born in Puerto Rico, SGM Juan Ponce retired after a distinguished Army EOD career. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and protector in every sense of the word. Known for his strength during family hardships, Juan lived a life centered on love, responsibility, and service.

He found joy in cooking, baseball, movies shared with family, and caring deeply for those around him. His legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

His Obituary: Here

    ⚫ CMSgt Gerald Cecil “Jerry” Kitzmiller, USAF (Ret.)

14 December 2025 | Age 83 | Bellevue, Nebraska

Chief Kitzmiller served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force as an EOD Master Technician, retiring as Chief of EOD at Strategic Air Command Headquarters. He lived the EOD motto—Complete Success or Total Failure—with skill, humility, and humor.

Following retirement, Jerry continued to protect others as a safety consultant in the UXO field. Known affectionately as “Uncle Jerry,” he was a mentor, an outdoorsman, and a beloved family patriarch.

His Obituary: Here

    ⚫ MAJ Wilkes Thomas “Tom” Martin, Jr., USA (Ret.)

16 December 2023 | Age 81

Major Martin served over 20 years as an Army officer, including command of the 99th Ordnance Detachment (EOD) in Vietnam. A Clemson graduate and Bronze Star recipient, he exemplified leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to Soldiers under his command.

He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in August 2025, joining generations of warriors who served with honor.

His Obituary: Here
His Find-A-Grave Profile: Here

With Respect and Gratitude

We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of these fallen EOD professionals. Their service, sacrifice, and stories remain part of the enduring legacy of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Initial Success or Total Failure.

PRESIDENT’S CLOSING MESSAGE 

From the President

Each name we honor represents a life lived in service, a career built on trust, and a legacy carried forward by those who continue the mission.

The EOD community is small by design and strong by necessity. We remember our fallen not only in silence, but in action—by looking after one another and ensuring no technician ever stands alone.

To the families: your loved ones mattered. They still do.

Initial Success or Total Failure.

Woodward L. “Woody” Eastwood

President, National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association

Dec 25 2025
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The Light on the Wire ~ Merry Christmas!

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🎄 The Light on the Wire

The snow fell softly outside the small community hall, settling on the flags that lined the entrance—each one
slightly worn, each one flown with purpose. Inside, the lights were warm, coffee was strong, and the laughter carried that
familiar mix of old stories and quiet understanding.

It was Christmas Eve.

Some had driven hours to be there. Others joined only in spirit—names spoken gently, chairs left empty,
memories carried close. As always, the EOD family gathered not because tradition demanded it, but because brotherhood did.

At the far end of the room stood a small Christmas tree. It wasn’t fancy. No matching ornaments, no ribbon theme. Instead, each decoration told a story—a unit patch from Vietnam, a bent wire shaped into a star, a small robot charm, a pair of wings, a folded
piece of tape with a name written in marker.

One ornament hung slightly apart from the rest: a simple light, glowing steady and white.

“Who put that one there?” someone asked.

No one answered right away.

Finally, an older tech—gray at the temples, hands steady despite the years—spoke up.

“That one’s for the ones who can’t make it home.”

The room grew quiet.

He continued. “I learned something a long time ago. In our line of work, light matters. Sometimes it’s a flashlight in the dark.
Sometimes it’s a headlamp under a truck. Sometimes it’s just that one calm voice in your ear saying, ‘Slow down. You’ve got this.’”

He nodded toward the glowing ornament.

“That light reminds us that even when things are tense… even when the wire looks wrong… someone’s always watching over us.”

Across the room, a younger tech held his child on his shoulders. Nearby, a Gold Star spouse adjusted an ornament placed c
arefully on the tree. A retired bomb tech leaned back, eyes closed, remembering a Christmas spent overseas, sharing a candy
bar and a laugh in a place that didn’t feel so far from home after all.

Someone passed around a plate of cookies shaped like stars and trees. Someone else poured another cup of coffee. No one rushed.
No one needed to.

Because in that moment, they weren’t active duty or retired. Not Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Public Safety.
They weren’t ranks or MOS codes.

They were family.

As the night drew on, the hall emptied slowly. One by one, goodbyes were said—handshakes, hugs, quiet promises to stay in touch.
When the lights were finally turned off, only the small Christmas tree remained glowing in the corner.

That single white light stayed on.

Steady. Reliable. Unwavering.

Just like the men and women of EOD.

And somewhere—across the world, across time, across memory—those who came before smiled, knowing the
watch was still being kept.

From the NATEODA Family

This Christmas, may you find peace in the quiet moments, strength in your bonds, and warmth in knowing you are never alone.

Merry Christmas to our EOD Family—past, present, and always. 🎄💣

Comments

Dear NATEODA members —

The quiet strength in this narrative is profound. Beautifully and poignantly written.

It captures the essence of a bond forged not just in shared experience, but in a shared, solemn duty. That single, steady light symbolizes the unwavering vigilance and quiet watch that defines the EOD family. It’s a beautiful reminder that even when someone is gone, their light, their memory, and the protection they provided remain a constant, guiding presence for those who carry the watch forward.

The brotherhood is indeed eternal.

Merry Christmas 2025 and many thanks for your warm embrace.

🎄

All my best to you and yours,

Elaine

Elaine Hume Peake
Daughter of Captain (later Colonel) Edward Thomas Hume
Author of The Kaboom Boy, The Blacksmith of Dachau, Goodnight From Berlin + Cold War Dawn

Dear Elaine,

Thank you for your beautifully written and deeply thoughtful message. Your words honor the heart of the story and, more importantly, the enduring spirit of the EOD family it represents.

That “single, steady light” you so eloquently describe truly does symbolize the quiet vigilance, sacrifice, and watchfulness that define our community. It is a reminder that while individuals may leave us, their service, their legacy, and the protection they provided never fade. They continue to guide those who stand the watch today.

Your perspective—as both a daughter of service and a gifted storyteller—adds a profound layer of meaning. We are grateful for your warm embrace of the EOD family and for the way you so gracefully articulated what so many of us feel but struggle to put into words.

On behalf of the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association, thank you for your kindness, your insight, and your continued connection to our shared heritage.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with health, remembrance, and hope.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Woodward L. “Woody” Eastwood
President of the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association

⬇️ Leave a Comment Below!

Dec 07 2025
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⚓️ Pearl Harbor Day ~ A Legacy of Courage!

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Pearl Harbor Day – A Legacy of Courage

On this day of remembrance, the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association honors the heroes of December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of our nation, calling forth extraordinary courage from Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and civilians who faced devastation without hesitation.

For those of us in the EOD community, this day carries added meaning. The aftermath of Pearl Harbor marked the early formation and rapid expansion of U.S. Bomb Disposal units—teams who stepped forward to confront unexploded ordnance, protect their fellow service members, and pioneer the foundations of the modern EOD profession.

Today, we remember the 2,403 lives lost, honor the survivors, and reflect on the duty, sacrifice, and resilience that define our nation. Their legacy continues in every technician who stands the watch, at home or abroad.

Pearl Harbor Day

“A date which will live in infamy.”

Today, the National EOD Association pauses to remember the events of December 7, 1941, and the heroes whose actions shaped our nation’s history. The attack on Pearl Harbor claimed 2,403 American lives and marked the beginning of America’s entry into World War II.

For the EOD community, Pearl Harbor represents the origin of our mission — the moment when unexploded bombs, damaged ordnance, and new threats demanded the creation of specialized Bomb Disposal units. From those first teams came the lineage of today’s EOD Technicians.

We honor their courage.

We remember their sacrifice.

And we remain committed to carrying forward the legacy they began.

Dec 01 2025
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Candles for Advent

Advent ~ 2025

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The Fourth Week of Advent “Love”

Referenced ‘in part’ from christian.net and its narrative on the 4th Sunday of Advent.

The fourth Sunday of Advent holds immense significance as it marks the culmination of anticipation and preparation for the arrival of Christmas. It serves as a testament to the enduring message of God’s Love for His Creation. This Advent encapsulates the essence of the Christmas season and the transformative impact of Christ’s birth on the hearts and minds of Believers worldwide.

The observance of the fourth Sunday of Advent is a time for Believers to reflect upon the profound significance of God’s Love.  This Love encompasses the birth, life, sacrifice, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas cannot be celebrated without acknowledging Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, demonstrating His love for us.

As we reflect on the transformative power of God’s Love for His Creation and Christ’s Love and sacrifice for us, we must also consider the power of God’s Love to bring about Healing, Reconciliation, and Renewal in our minds and hearts. This serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring message of Hope, Peace, and Joy that we observed during the previous Advent Sundays.

Finally, this Advent Sunday serves as a call to action, urging each of us to embody the spirit of Love, Grace, and Forgiveness in our interactions with others.  We should be encouraged to follow the example set by Jesus, who exemplified love through his teachings, compassion, and sacrifice.

in closing, may the essence of this fourth Advent Sunday (God’s Love for you) bring you closer to Jesus Christ.  May your heart seek Him more personally and your Spirit rest in His Grace.

With respect,

Soli Deo Gloria
LEO BT Chaplain B

        The Third Week of Advent “Joy”

This third week of the Advent Season, Christian tradition focuses upon ‘Joy’. To be clear….not manufactured joy, not happiness (which is different), not the joy of others (to, by, for, or with ) you, but rather, God’s ‘Joy’ for you.

Let me write that again. God’s Joy for YOU!!

In the letter by Nehemiah (Chapter 8, verse 10b), he writes in part “…For the Joy of the Lord is your strength…”.

What is this ‘Joy of the Lord’?

Rev. Samuel Dickey Gordon (1859 – 1936), a lay minister, wrote “…Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that Joy…”

C.S. Lewis writes, “…Joy is the serious business of heaven…”

So, these writers believe Joy is distinctly a Christian word. It is the business of heaven and is different from earthly, emotional, or human happiness.    

How do we see God’s Joy as our Strength?  

  • By understanding and accepting by Faith God’s desire to reclaim His Creation, His animated ‘likeness in His image’ (Genesis 1:26).  
  • By believing God’s desire was significant enough to send His only begotten Son to be born of the Virgin Mary and die on a cross for you and me.  
  • By believing that the price for our sins, our mistakes, and our genetic and spiritual depravity is evidenced from the foundation of the Creation of the world (the sin of Adam). 
  • With Faith in our Lord and Belief in His Word….Believers are strengthened.

Where then can we find the Lord’s Joy?

  • His Joy may be found in Scripture,
  • In Prayer, 
  • By singing His praises,
  • By observing His Work in our natural Creation,
  • And yes, even in daily circumstances around us.

There are indeed times when each of us is temporarily robbed of our Joy. We are left in grief, sorrow, or even loneliness.

Yet….I must tell you from personal experience: there is only One Joy that can truly lift a person from moments of sorrow and grief. I speak of the Joy of the Lord. The Joy which is mighty to Save. A Joy which is supernatural and yet can be physically felt (emotionally).  

Our Joy begins with the birth of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), foretold in history and proven by His life, His Miracles, and His Resurrection. In this writer’s opinion, this is where true Eternal and present Joy begins….for each of us.

The Lord’s Joy for us was born in the past. With the miraculous Birth and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

The Lord’s Joy for us is alive in the present. In those moments when we cry out to Him for His relief, His counsel, His Joy to be our comfort in our time of need. 

The Lord’s Joy for us lives in the future. Where Jesus Christ exists, standing in eternity at the right hand of the Father to intercede on our behalf and welcome us home when our time comes.

I would ask you to consider:   “…The Joy of the Lord is your strength….” in dealing with your past, in living in your present, and in securing your future.

The Christian tradition of Advent is about “coming to”  Christ. Meeting the ‘One’ whose name is ‘Word’ (John 1:1ff), born of the Virgin Mary, who came to the world for a singular purpose:  To reconcile God’s Creation to Himself and to provide a way for the fallen nature of His created beings to return to Him, a Holy and Righteous God. He who is the Author of our Joy and our Strength.

Praise be to God! Lean upon the Joy of the Lord and not on your own ‘works’; and may the Eternal and Present Joy of Jesus Christ be your Strength this Christmas season and the years to come.

With the Greatest Respect,

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be the Glory)
LEO BT Chaplain B

          The Second Week of Advent “Peace”

Advent is a season of celebration and repentance.  A time when we acknowledge our part in broken relationships and the fractured world in which we live. During this time, we also recognize we are powerless to save ourselves or anyone else.  After all, we are Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve (as C.S. Lewis writes), and we all have a role to play, though we cannot do it on our own.

Thankfully, we are not abandoned or alone.  Though it may feel like that sometimes.  There is Hope greater than ourselves as we have noted last week when lighting the First Candle of Advent.  The Hope of Christ.

This second week of Advent, we acknowledge the Power and Presence of the Peace of God.  The coming of the Prince of Peace.

This Advent theme of Peace reminds us that Jesus Christ’s arrival is meant to reconcile all human beings: to, by, for, and with God and one another.  This God-centered peace is more than just a victory over emotional or physical conflict.  It is a harmony rooted in God’s presence, while honestly addressing and working to heal sources of division, fear, pride, and whatever compels us to sin.  Indeed, Jesus reconciles all things to himself, offering healing and restoration through Hope, Peace, Love, and Forgiveness.  And His Peace is life-changing, real, and everlasting.

The Prophet Isaiah foretells Jesus as the “Prince of Peace,” whose kingdom will bring justice and peace to all who follow him.

Isaiah 7:14: “…Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el…”

Isaiah 9:2: “…The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the deep darkness, on them has light shone…”.

Isaiah 9:6: “…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…”

As you light the second Advent candle this week, reflect on the ways Jesus calls you to be a peacemaker in your life, showing kindness, understanding, and forgiveness to others. Advent Peace encourages you and me to let go of our personal anxieties, fears, and pain.  We are encouraged to trust in God’s Forgiveness, Love, and Promise of eternal Hope, for today, tomorrow, and for the future.

A section from C.S. Lewis’ book ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.

“…Someone is coming to our rescue:  Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again…”

Advent promises that our hope will not be disappointed and that the winter moments of our lives will not be forever. God’s Son has brought us victory over sin and death (Romans 8:1ff). Soon we will celebrate our Messiah’s birth (Christmas), and soon after, we will celebrate His glorious Resurrection (Easter), proving all He said was True.

The power of Advent is yours for the taking.

Respectfully offered,

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be the Glory)
LEO BT Chaplain B

      The first week of Advent is “Hope”

Believers in Jesus Christ have celebrated Advent since the 7th century A.D. As you recall, “Advent” from the Latin means “coming to”. Therefore, the Advent Season is understood as Jesus Christ (the Messiah) “coming to” the world.

During the first Sunday of Advent, Believers celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world and focus on the eternal “Hope” He brought. “Hope”, in Scripture, has two meanings:

1) a sense of eager anticipation or waiting; and
2) a sense of confident expectation based on certainty.

When Christian’s celebrate Advent, we remember, celebrate, and offer our thanksgiving for what God has done in history for all of humanity.   That God sent His only Son, through whom we might have the certainty of Hope…. for today, tomorrow, and eternity.

C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia series and other works, writes “…The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth — the very thing the whole story (creation) has been about…”.

Hope is not just wishful thinking. It is God entering the darkest places with quiet, eternal strength. Indeed, the first week of Advent is more than a church tradition-it can be a true encounter with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12).

Let this Advent week serve as a spiritual “wake-up call”: a time to acknowledge your deep need for Christ and to renew trust in God’s promises.

If you allow me, I will offer a prayer for you.

Heavenly Father, during this Advent season, help us reflect on Your act in time and space that gifted us with Your Son. Teach us to anchor our Hope in all aspects of life and family in Jesus Christ. We are grateful that You hear our prayers and petitions, and thankful for the eternal and everlasting Hope You offer us as we eagerly await Your return. Amen

Advent Season: What is it?

For more information Click Here
Nov 30 2025
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❤️‍🔥 Giving Tuesday ~ Stand with the EOD Family

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Dear NATEODA Family,

On this Giving Tuesday, we pause to honor the men and women of Explosive Ordnance Disposal—those who step forward when others step back, who serve with courage, precision, and unwavering commitment.

Today is more than a day of generosity. It is a chance to strengthen the bonds of our EOD community and support those who carry the weight of this profession, both past and present.

Your gift—no matter the size—helps us:

  • Support EOD technicians and their families in times of hardship

  • Preserve the history and legacy of our profession

  • Recognize excellence and service across the EOD community

  • Strengthen programs that mentor, connect, and uplift our members

Every contribution empowers us to continue the mission of “Serving the EOD Family.”

If you’re able, please consider a tax-deductible donation today and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow EOD brothers and sisters.

Together, we make a difference.

Together, we remain The EOD Family.

With gratitude and respect,

Woodward L. “Woody” Eastwood
President
National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association
president@nateoda.com

© 2023 National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association