British army officer pays tribute in an EOD bomb suit

115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Staff Sgt. David Overson

Date: 03.06.2013
Posted: 03.06.2013 03:03
News ID: 102978

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – There is something innately courageous in any person who elects to take on the duty of an explosive ordnance disposal specialist in the U.S. Army. It is safe to say, it is a very dangerous job, which unfortunately, can cost his or her life if something goes wrong.

To honor those fallen, British army Capt. Vickie Martin, the executive officer to the Regional Command-East deputy commanding general for support, chose to run in the EOD Memorial 5K Run while wearing a complete bomb suit March 3 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

The intent of the race was to bring awareness of fallen heroes and Wounded Warriors who suffered battle and non-battle related deaths or injuries incurred while serving in Afghanistan.

“We lost a soldier the day before the race, and I just wanted to pay tribute the best way I could,” said Martin. “It’s the least I could do.”

Martin practiced on a treadmill with the suit prior to the race and felt optimistic, however, half way through the race she felt the full weight of the suit and needed to remove the helmet.

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m really glad I did it,” added Martin.

Martin, who is currently deployed for the sixth time, has been in the British army for nearly 17 years, and was moved by the sacrifice EOD soldiers pay and wanted to pay tribute in unique style, by donning the approximately 70 pound suit and 20 pound helmet.

On her second deployment to Afghanistan, Martin, originally from Kent, South East England, currently assigned to the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan., set out to do what few have, to complete a 5K run in a grueling fashion.