Episode 37 is with Brian Kirk, a US Navy Reserve Commander who served 11 years on active duty as a Navy EOD Officer. During his active duty time, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and spent significant time in Korea. He shares stories from his combat deployments, some funny and some serious. He also talks about the transition to a civilian job and what the Naval Reserves has done for him.

I went through EOD school with Brian, some of the most memorable times I’ve had in EOD. We reminisce on those times, share some stories, and purposely leave out names. We all know our exploits during that time could come back to haunt us. 

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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Tod Neal, a 30-year Navy Veteran who retired as a Senior Chief EOD Operator, joins me for episode 36 of the podcast. Growing up in a Methodist children’s home, he had a tough childhood. While struggling with direction, he found toughness and learned he wouldn’t quit.

Tod joined the Navy in 1991 and even before he joined EOD his courage under fire was tested. After finding out about EOD and being selected to go through training, Tod flourished. EOD was where he belonged. Being tested over and over again in combat, he always rose to the occasion. Trouble seemed to find him, some would say he was unlucky, but he always bested it and came out on top. 

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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Adam Garrett joins me for the 35th episode of the Echo Oscar Delta Podcast. Adam served 15 years in Navy EOD before separating as a Senior Chief. He deployed four times to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and an Aircraft Carrier.

During the podcast, Adam shares stories from his time deployed overseas in a war zone, the initial training to become Navy EOD, and what factors led to his decision to separate and find his new path as a civilian. It was a great conversation with many nuggets for us all to think about.

-----------------------

EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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In episode 35 of the podcast, we do the first in the series, Bombs & Bourbon. Four EOD Operators who worked at the East Coast Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit Two (EODTEU2), Final Training Exercise (FTX) division got together and talked about their unified purpose.

We talk about what made the team so special, divulge some interpersonal secrets about the ongoings of day to day life in FTX, and just enjoy making fun of each other like good Navy EOD Operators do.

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

Veterans United Home Loans - Hampton Roads

Veterans United Home Loans

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In episode 33, Greg Wheelock, a retired Lieutenant Commander with a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy, as he shares captivating tales from his journey as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician. From his early fascination with EOD teams in Guam to shipboard deployments and shore duties in locations like Det Bermuda, Wheelock provides a firsthand account of the diverse and dynamic world of EOD operations. The conversation delves into the challenges of underwater demolitions, parachute insertions, and even a cinematic-like experience of parachuting onto a submarine in the middle of the sea.

The narrative seamlessly weaves through Wheelock's experiences, from his transition to becoming a Limited Duty

-----------------------

EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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TIME STAMP

00:00 – Start

00:53 – Guest Introduction

01:11 – Sponsor

01:40 – Gunners Mate Navy time

03:09 – Exposed to Navy EOD

09:41 – Mobile Unit One in Hawaii

13:24 – Shore Duty Detachment Bermuda

24:32 – Operation Raleigh

28:13 – EOD Parachute Insertion Capability

34:45 – MK16 Rebreather Diving Rig

40:40 – China Lake Director for Energetics

55:11 – Mine Counter Measures Sonar Equipment

01:07:49 – Night Dive and Near Mishaps

01:15:45 – Putting in an LDO Package

01:24:39 – EOD Dark Humor

01:41:28 – What to do Post Retirement

01:55:07 – Tactical Level is Where Wars are Won

01:58:27 – Current Work

02:03:58 –  Greg Wheelock’s Message to Active Duty

In episode 32 of the podcast, I sit down with EODCM (ret) Tara Asbury to talk about her career and beyond. Tara has been someone I have lookup up to for many years, reaching out several times for advice and perspective. In our conversations I got to learn a bit more about her.

Amongst other things, we talked about what the driving force was in joining Navy EOD, the workups, deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. We also touched on leadership goods and bads and ideas on how to balance the needs and wants a leader face with one’s own requirements and how those personal sacrifices grow as your family grows.

Travel Advisor Information

https://linktr.ee/globetrottingwithtara

[email protected]

-----------------------

EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

---------------

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TIME STAMP

00:00 – Start

00:47 – Guest Introduction

01:10 – Sponsor

01:40 – Gunners Mate Navy time

03:53 – Exposed to Navy EOD

14:03 – Navy EOD Life

18:04 – First EOD Deployment

24:18 – First IED

31:01 – Second EOD Workup

43:46 – Afghanistan vs Iraq Deployment

46:50 – Female Perspective

01:02:20 – IED in Culvert in Afghanistan

01:05:45 – Tara VS Army Officer

01:12:47 – West Coast vs East Coast EOD

01:27:45 – Body Recoveries on Downed U-28

01:31:54 – Learning Her Husband was Hit by an IED

01:51:36 – EOD Training Unit Two Duty / Becoming a Mother

02:18:48 – Life After EOD / Travel Agent

02:28:45 – Words to Listeners

EODCS James Hebert (Eh Bear) joins me in Episode 31 where he talks about a variety of EOD topics experienced over his 20 years of service. One subject that is brought up frequently in this episode is the importance of mental health. Eh Bear opens up about how doing the job he loves caused some lasting effects

His first IED call, an unlikely group reporting a weapons cache and the ensuing shenanigans, almost getting shot, along with stories from times with the boy’s. This episode has it all.

I was honored to sit down with James and take some nuggets for myself. Enjoy.

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

---------------

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TIME STAMP

00:00 – Intro

00:51 – Guest Introduction

02:57 – NSOF Sponsor

03:28 – Before EOD

12:29 – Navy EOD/Dive School

18:32 – Being Ready to Deploy

23:50 – First EOD Call

32:19 – Cache

35:40 – VBIED

40:57 – EOD Training Unit One

56:56 – Differences in Deployment AORs

01:05:55 – EOD Mobile Unit Six

01:18:58 – Motivation for new Operators

01:33:31 – Working with Army Special Forces

01:43:25 – Almost Getting Shot

01:53:01 – Exiting the Military

02:09:43 – Learning to Look at Life Closer

03:34:18 – Outro

Episode 30 is dedicated to EODC Jason Finan who was killed on October 20, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq.

I talked with Shawn Bacon, Jason's Dad, about who he was as a boy and his likes, dislikes, and motivations. We discuss his military service from his family's perspective, as well as what it was like for his family when they found out the news.

This episode was hard to do, but the purpose at the end I believe was served. After listening to this episode, if you didn't know Jason, you will start to feel as if you did.

The purpose is to honor and never forget.

Hooyah Chief Finan!

https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/jason-christopher-finan/

https://www.nsof.org/pages/never-forgotten

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to

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TIME STAMP

00:00 – Intro

00:29 – Guest Introduction

01:50 – Family History of Military Service

03:00 – Jason as  Boy

07:08 – Jason and High School Academics

10:39 – When Jason Decided to Join the Military

16:40 – Tight-Knit Family

22:28 – Hands-On and Motorcycles

 27:10 – Returning

32:28 – Starting a Family

35:55 – What Teammates Told Shawn About Jason

39:07 – Getting the Worst News Possible

48:05 – Random Encounters with EOD Operators

51:32 – Navy SEALs Honoring Jason

53:52 – Knowing Jason Made a Difference

In podcast episode 29, we dive deep into the remarkable 27-year career of Lenny Lyon, a retired Navy Captain with extensive experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Lenny's journey takes us through his numerous deployments to diverse locations, his introduction to the world of EOD during a college summer cruise, and his transition into the EOD pipeline. His training, which included SWAS, dive school, and ship duty, paved the way for his successful EOD career. A key takeaway from Lenny's story is the strong sense of camaraderie and the vital role of engaging and challenging the new generation of EOD technicians to maintain their motivation and interest in the field.

As we explore Lenny's Navy experience, he emphasizes the importance of training, knowledge, and leadership. He highlights the need for better training and leadership development to bridge knowledge gaps among Navy personnel. Lenny also shares valuable lessons on leadership, including the significance of trust, direct communication, and taking care of the people under your command. His experiences shed light on the choices and challenges that arise in military careers, particularly the balance between pursuing personal career advancement and prioritizing the well-being and success of the team. Lenny's dedication to service and leadership serves as an inspiring example for both military personnel and civilians alike.

In the latter part of the episode, Lenny discusses his transition to civilian life and the challenges he faced in finding a new purpose. He shares how he started businesses to fill the void left by his military service and his aspiration to create a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable housing to address homelessness. Lenny's advice to junior EOD members and senior leaders underscores the importance of initiative, proactive leadership, and prioritizing the growth and development of individuals over personal ambitions. Overall, this podcast episode is a testament to the values of service, leadership, and resilience that can inspire listeners from all walks of life.

LinkedIn:

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EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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In this heartfelt podcast episode, Roy Sedano, a retired Senior Chief with over 23 years of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experience, engages in a candid conversation about his journey in EOD and transitioning to civilian life. He shares his initial deployments, highlighting the importance of problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Throughout the discussion, the significance of EOD training and experiences in shaping his abilities to tackle challenges in various career paths becomes evident. Roy recalls memorable moments, including the sobering realization of the gravity of EOD work when faced with real explosive devices, and emphasizes the unique role and purpose that EOD personnel find in their service.

As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the challenges of retiring from military service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for self-reflection and rediscovery of identity post-retirement. A personal health journey takes center stage, highlighting the crucial role of proactive healthcare for military veterans. Roy found out he had a baseball-sized cancerous tumor in his head during diagnostics for another issue he was having. The discussion touches on the importance of early detection and symptom awareness, advocating for comprehensive health checks, including CT scans, within the military community. With a deep sense of camaraderie, the conversation underscores the value of building a supportive network within the EOD community, emphasizing mentorship, post-retirement support, and leadership's role in caring for their team members professionally and personally. This episode is an inspiring testament to the resilience, adaptability, and bond veterans share as they navigate life's challenges beyond the military.

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#eod #specialoperations #braintumor #positiveattitude #cancer #podcast #navy

-----------------------

EPISODE SPONSOR:

NSOF - Navy Special Operations Foundation

https://www.nsof.org/

"We exist to ensure our operators and their families are provided with all the tools necessary to overcome any challenges they may face and let them know they are never alone in the fight"

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