EOD Airmen reflect on sacrifices

ALI AIR BASE, IRAQ -- Staff Sgt. Haven Cherry, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned in charge of explosive ordinance disposal supply and munitions, constantly dealt with the containment of unexploded ordinances such as this one during his deployment to Iraq. UXO's are used as improvised explosive device weaponry against coalition troops in combat environments overseas. EOD Airmen are in a highly demanding career field because of their extensive expertise in dealing with IED’s. (Photo courtesy/Staff Sgt. Haven Cherry)

EOD Airmen reflect on sacrifices

ALI AIR BASE, IRAQ -- Staff Sgt. Haven Cherry, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of explosive ordinance disposal supply and munitions, constantly dealt with the containment of explosive weaponry caches such as this one during his deployment to Iraq. Caches of unexploded ordinances are used as improvised explosive device weaponry against coalition troops in combat environments overseas. EOD Airmen are in a highly demanding career field because of their extensive expertise in dealing with IED’s. (Photo courtesy/Staff Sgt. Haven Cherry)

Representing Minot -- while deployed

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A member of the Afghan National Army Air Force’s 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron loads a 57 millimeter rocket into Russian MI-17 helicopter’s rocket pod Oct. 20 before flying an escort mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Strong)

Representing Minot -- while deployed

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Members of the Afghanistan National Army Air Force’s 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron approach a Russian MI-17 helicopter to arm it with 57 millimeter rockets before flying an escort mission Oct. 20. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Strong)

Sacrificing for those in need

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN -- Capt. Erik G. Rauglas (far left), 5th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency flight chief, interacts with local Afghan contractors during a site condition inspection. The captain served for nine months as commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan which had the mission of overseeing the management of local construction projects and providing medical support to the local population. Interacting face to face with the local Afghan officials was an important part of the reconstruction mission because it helped build good relations between the military and the local populous. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Melissa J. Milner)

Sacrificing for those in need

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN -- Capt. Erik G. Rauglas (far left), 5th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency flight chief, interacts with local Afghan contractors during a site condition inspection. The captain served for nine months as commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan which had the mission of overseeing the management of local construction projects and providing medical support to the local population. Interacting face to face with the local Afghan officials was an important part of the reconstruction mission because it helped build good relations between the military and the local populous. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Melissa J. Milner)