Crawford Receives Honorary “Master Blaster” Award at Annual Bomb Tech Event

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Contact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)

Crawford Receives Honorary “Master Blaster” Award at Annual Bomb Tech Event

5/31/2023

Washington — Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) hosted his annual Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Day on the Hill on last week. Bomb technicians from all branches of the military as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Bombing Prevention, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were all in attendance at the event. 

This year, Rep. Crawford along with Representatives Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Brian Mast (FL-21) were awarded the Honorary Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal or “Master Blaster” badge for their leadership on the Congressional EOD Caucus.

“Within the EOD community, the Master EOD Badge is a big deal,” said senior Army leaders in attendance, adding that the badge is a special accomplishment for an Army EOD officer because it takes eight years to earn in different EOD assignments.

“It’s a privilege to work beside not one, but two colleagues who have served as bomb techs and have been tireless advocates for our community,” Rep. Crawford said. “Each year we hold this event to recognize those within the EOD community. This year it was a huge honor to be recognized by my community as well.”

Rep. Crawford is a co-founder of the EOD Caucus and a second-generation bomb tech. In his 12 years in Congress he has raised awareness of the work that bomb squads do to keep our communities safe from explosives. 

About the badge:

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, 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 prevent a detonation and protect the surrounding area and property to the utmost.

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