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EOD Airman earns AF-level award, slot in USMC program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zade Vadnais
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  While it's no secret that explosive ordnance disposal is one of the higher-stakes career fields in the U.S. armed forces, a Shaw Airman with the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD flight knows first-hand that with big risks come big rewards.

Master Sgt. Jeremy Phillips, 20th CES EOD flight superintendent, was awarded the Air Force EOD Master Blaster of the Year award in October. The Air Force awards the honor annually to recognize EOD technicians on the basis of significant accomplishments, mission impact, and quality of work.

"It was a team effort, I was just lucky enough to be selected," Phillips said. "I've been stationed with a bunch of great guys and we just had a really good, productive year."

Phillips was also one of approximately 35 Airmen selected by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody to participate in fiscal year 2016's Marine Corps Advanced Program, the U.S. Marine Corps' equivalent of the Air Force's Senior NCO Academy.
"I'm really looking forward to the experience," Phillips said. "I enjoy working in a joint environment and seeing their unique take on the military and how they do business. I just hope I represent the Air Force and EOD well."

Although Phillips humbly expressed his hope to represent his shop and branch of service well at Camp Lejeune, N.C. this spring, those who have seen his work first-hand have no doubts he will do just that.

"Sgt. Phillips is an outstanding EOD technician and also a great dude," said Capt. Nate Demers, 20th CES EOD flight commander. "He's very deserving of this opportunity. He's done nothing but fantastic things here."

Demers went on to say he hopes seeing Phillips recognized for his hard work with awards and exciting opportunities will inspire younger EOD troops to continue to do their best. He also said Phillips is a great example of how an Airman's hard work can benefit not only themselves and the people who depend on their expertise, but their coworkers as well.

"I appreciate my guys; I'm nothing without the people I work with," Phillips said. "I was the one who was recognized but it was a team effort and I'm very grateful and very humbled."