Thursday, July 8, 2010

Proud Military Wife

Those of you who know our family well, my husband, Mike is a Navy EOD Tech...(Explosive Ordnance Disposal). It has been a little over 2 years since we checked-in here at Virginia and it was time Mike went for Senior Tech. Coming out of school all techs are Basic Techs and throughout the next several years, deployments, schools, etc they move up (a promotion) to a Senior Tech and then Master Tech. This past week, Mike passed his boards and was pinned a Senior Tech (the above pin). I was as nervous as could be due to the fact that Mike said it would be a 90 min board and I didn't hear from him for 3 hours! All sorts of things ran through my mind...he failed and didn't want to talk, or they kidnapped him and took him out for lunch...? I DON'T KNOW! Well, I finally got the call that he made it and even though I wasn't the one in his position, I could breath again.

Anyways, I thought I would give a little history lesson in light of how special and meaningful the EOD "crab" (pin) is.



The "crab", as it is commonly known, is the only joint service badge and can only be earned upon successful completion of the 52 week course at the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The Wreath Symbolic of the achievements and laurels gained minimizing accident potentials through the ingenuity and devotion to duty of its members. It is in memory of those EOD personnel who gave their lives while performing EOD duties.

The Bomb Copied from the design of the World War II Bomb Disposal Badge, the bomb represents the historic and major objective of the EOD attack, the unexploded bomb. The three fins represent the major areas of nuclear, conventional and chemical/biological interest.

Lightning Bolts Symbolize the potential destructive power of the bomb and the courage and professionalism of EOD personnel in their endeavors to reduce hazards as well as to render explosive ordnance harmless.

The Shield Represents the EOD mission - to protect personnel and property.


The star in the middle means you have attained Senior Tech competency. I just think it is so awesome how God blesses us so much (not trying to boast because we are not the ones blessing, God is) by giving Mike the wisdom and time to study for the boards. For giving Mike co-workers that he gets along with and respects. For giving Mike the confidence and know-how to do his job well! As an EOD wife, I try not to think about what Mike does when deployed but pray continually that he has steady hands, clear mind, and team members that he can count on! God has given us one deployment already as an EOD tech and as we are about to venture into another one I know that God once again has Mike in His hands. So, with that...Congrats EOD1 Morris Senior Tech!!


2 comments:

Casey Martinez said...

MIke you worked so hard for this promotion and we are so proud of you! You work so hard for your family and you are such a great dad and hubs to your wifey. God Bless you guys!

The Stachurskis said...

Congratulations! Elissa I love that you explain everything. :) I would be so lost on what your end of the Navy means! God has you in His hands and that's the best place to be. We pray for continued blessings on you and your family and for safety for Mike on his next go around. My heart is with you!