Courtesy Photo | PENSACOLA, Fla. – Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 1st Class Skyler...... read more read more
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By Billy Martin, Public Affairs Officer, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) instructor will be presented with the United Service Organization (USO) of Metropolitan New York George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award at their 57th annual Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinners in New York City, Dec. 12.
This award recognizes Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 1st Class Skyler Gronert and four other active-duty military members from each service “who have demonstrated bravery and leadership in the course of their service, enhanced the morale and welfare of others, and inspired those around them.”
“Each year, the USO of Metropolitan New York presents the George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award in an effort to publically honor the outstanding commitment, exceptional service, sacrifice and achievements of service members across the globe,” said Jessica McAndrews, vice president, Programs, Services and Operations, USO of Metropolitan New York.
Gronert, an Inverness, Florida native and 2003 graduate of Lecanto High School, expressed his gratitude for his nomination and selection.
“I am humbled that the USO of Metropolitan New York would choose me from all the more deserving service men and women,” said Gronert. “This award makes me feel truly valued; so often guys in the EOD community break their backs for this work and it goes unmentioned because that's just the job. That my command and the USO of Metropolitan New York took the time to notice and nominate me means a great deal to validating my contributions to this community.”
Gronert has been an EOD technician for more than seven years and credits his successes to the support of his family.
“My wife is always there for me, motivating me to keep pushing myself and those around me,” said Gronert. “Despite the hardships this career puts us through, it has actually brought our family closer together because I couldn't do it without them.”
Gronert received the Bronze Star in 2018 for his support for Special Forces Operational Det. Alpha from January to July 2017. He was cited for his “personal courage and tactical proficiency enabling successful combat operations by supporting 46 combat patrols resulting in 55 enemy positions destroyed and the reclamation of 300 square kilometers of enemy territory.”
NAVSCOLEOD, located on Eglin Air Force Base, provides high-risk, specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to U.S. and partner nation militaries and selected U.S. government personnel each year.
“Gronert passes his unique combat experiences and professionalism to EOD students daily,” said Capt. Charles Andrews, NAVSCOLEOD commanding officer. “As a high-risk instructor in underwater ordnance division, he leads classes through a myriad of EOD underwater ordnance tactics, techniques and procedures and infuses lessons learned from combat.”
EOD technicians have expertise in the most conventional and unconventional explosives to ensure the secure disposal of explosive weaponry. They are on call to respond to any type of ordnance, and they receive specialized training to handle chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. They investigate and demolish natural and man-made underwater obstructions, prepare coastal regions for amphibious landings, and warn about potential threats at home and abroad.
| Date Taken: | 11.27.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.27.2018 10:15 |
| Story ID: | 301309 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 334 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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