Courtesy Photo | Senior Master Sgt. Riemer, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal...... read more read more
Subscribe
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas -- Senior Master Sgt. Riemer, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, Division at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, AFCEC, is more than just a leader of 1,700 Airmen. His career is punctuated by moments of extraordinary courage and decisive action, demonstrating bravery beyond the call of duty.
While bomb suits and battlefield bravery often define our image of heroes, Sgt. Riemer embodies a different kind of heroism. He doesn't see himself as a hero, simply a man dedicated to his work and colleagues. His is a quiet strength, a humble commitment to doing what's right.
The Aegean Sea shimmered under the June 2021 sun. Riemer, then stationed in Turkey, joined fellow Airmen on a morale-boosting boat trip. Among them was Busra, his future wife. What began as an idyllic escape quickly turned treacherous. A sudden storm unleashed its fury, churning the calm waters into a maelstrom and pushing the boat away from a group of Airmen swimming towards a nearby island.
"He took charge, just like he always does," recalled Master Sgt. Jay Webb, witnessing the tranquil scene descend into chaos. “He made sure everyone stayed together, got organized, and most importantly, got back to the boat safely,” Webb continued. As fear gripped the stranded Airmen, struggling against the increasingly violent waves, instinct would take over for Reimer.
"I could see the panic setting in," Riemer later shared, his voice still carrying the weight of that day. Without hesitation, Riemer plunged into the churning sea. Visibility was near zero as he battled the relentless current pulling him and the two Airmen he was rescuing further from the boat. After 30 grueling minutes, he brought them back to safety.
But his mission wasn't over. Three more Airmen clung to each other on the opposite side of the boat, their strength waning. Again, Sgt. Riemer dove into the raging waters. "Sgt. Riemer jumped from the boat and swam all the way to us with floatation devices to keep us from drowning," recounted Staff Sgt. Christopher Cordera, one of the rescued Airmen. Securing the exhausted trio, Sgt. Riemer battled back to the boat, securing a safety line and hauling them aboard.
Over an hour had passed since Riemer first entered the water. His selfless actions saved five lives. "Severity of the storm had diminished almost all visibility, creating a current that persistently pulled the boat further away from Senior Master Sgt. Riemer and the Airmen he was trying to bring back to safety," a witness confirmed.
Later, asked about his thoughts during the chaos, Riemer calmly replied,
"I was thinking I'm an EOD technician, and EOD technicians solve complex problems."
The storm may have passed, but its impact resonated. Though separated for over a year and a half after the incident, fate reunited Riemer and Busra in Germany. They married in June 2023, and Busra, now a US citizen, serves as an Immigration Officer, connecting families within the Department of Homeland Security. A testament to how even amidst the fiercest storms, hope and heroism can prevail.
This unwavering resolve earned him the Airman's Medal in March 2025. Presented by Brigadier General Brian Hartless, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, Deputy Chief of Staff of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force Arlington, Va., the medal recognized Riemer's exceptional bravery and selfless service.
A testament to how even amidst the fiercest storms, hope and heroism can prevail. This act of heroism at sea exemplifies the depth of Senior Master Sgt. Riemer's dedication to service, a dedication clearly evidenced throughout his impressive record, including deployments in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and FREEDOM SENTINEL. He also holds the distinction of being the 1st EOD technician in history to earn the Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, a testament to his commitment to excellence.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2025 11:47 |
| Story ID: | 494578 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Beyond the Bomb Suit: An Airman’s Legacy of Courage and Leadership, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
