EOD wins DoD-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Flight was recently presented with certificates acknowledging the flight as the Air Force winners of the 2008 Department of Defense Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence. 

The Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations, strengthening the nation's defense while also providing the best possible place to work and live.

The award distinguishes the 28 CES EOD flight for their display of outstanding and innovative efforts needed both downrange and at home.

"The 28 CES EOD flight's record of performance during period was superb," said Lt. Col. John Allen, 28 CES commander. "While downrange, 28 CES EOD operators logged more than 800 counter-improvised explosive device missions, clearing more than 700 IEDs, in the face of both direct and in-direct enemy fire. While at home, they conducted a variety of high-profile missions, ranging from U.S. Secret Service support, bomb squad support to local and state authorities and [force protection] support to the U.S. Park Service at Mt. Rushmore."

The award recognized the entire 28th CES EOD flight and individually recognized Master Sgt. Anthony Blackmon, the 28 CES EOD flight chief.

"I definitely wasn't expecting this award," Sergeant Blackmon said. "When you receive an award like this, it really makes you realize that all the hard work you do pays off."

As for why he thinks the 28 CES EOD flight won this DoD award, Sergeant Blackmon sights the flight's ability to operate with a high-level of excellence despite the low number of Airmen in their career field.

"Because of our small numbers, we're already a close-nit group." Sergeant Blackmon said. "A lot of our Airmen have stepped-up to perform NCO-type roles, and that alone says a lot about them as individuals."

The small number of members within the 28 CES EOD are mostly due to the flight's high ratio of deployments; most NCOs deploy for six months and then come home for six months before they deploy again for another six months.

Despite the high ratio for deployments, the 28 CES EOD flight makes time to perform additional duties, including volunteering for the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.

The EOD flight's efforts down-range have also been acknowledged.

"These men and women operate at a high, intense pace day-in and day-out, and do so with precision and professionalism," Colonel Allen said. "I, for one, am proud to serve with them."

As for what the future holds for members of the 28 CES EOD flight after winning the award, Sergeant Blackmon says the same expectations of each member are still required.

"As our workloads get even heavier, we'll still keep on pushing," Sergeant Blackmon said. "In EOD it's either initial success, or total failure."