Last Entry

Hello from Baghdad. This will be my last blog entry. While I never had a personal history with reading or writing blog entries, I found this experience to be very positive. Writing my thoughts and experiences down, enabled me to not only give them additional thought but also made me analyze them in more depth than I normally would have, i.e. specifically trying to ascertain the “so what” of the experience, not just store the memory away in a “CNN reporting” fashion. COL Lutz, the Commander of Combined Joint Task Force Troy emphasizes to his field commanders, if an event occurs, the lessons we can learn (i.e. the so-what) from that experience need to be distilled, documented and distributed to the force. This is whether we are talking about IED trends, operational environments, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TT&P), etc. For me, the “so what” typically related to the acquisition frame, analysis of results of experimentation and testing of emerging technologies in addressing the C-IED fight or documenting the evolution of TT&P’s that relate to the meeting the IED threat. In my final blog entry, I will give a synopsis of my accomplishments in my brief support of CJTF Troy, emphasize a key lesson learned which applies to the interaction and partnership between the war fighters and support element off the battlefield, i.e. CONUS-based commands and laboratories and finally highlight the efforts of a few individuals that helped we tremendously during my deployment in Iraq.

In many ways it seems the past 120 days have gone by very quickly, however, in other aspects, it feels like 5 years have past. Anyway, here is a listing of my routine and “not-so-routine” efforts:
• Attended and/or participated in the following daily & weekly meetings: Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) C-IED Technology Gap IPT, MNC-I Force Protection IPT with OSD (DDR&E)/CENTCOM, MNC-I C-IED Working Group, JIEDDO/RDECOM/REF C-IED VTC, TF Troy daily Commander’s Call and TF Troy Commander’s Update Briefing.
• Participated in planning, trials and execution of a field operation in MND-W AOR (Fallujah area). Details of operation can be transmitted via SIPR upon request.
• Researched, drafted and promulgated a Fragmentary Order and a Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONS) for improving the data collected for post blast (i.e. of an IED, RPG and mortar) response of CJTF Troy war fighters. This effort focused on improving the coverage and data entry with respect to the impact to the war fighter. Specifically, shock and over-pressure measurements are needed to support more effective forensic analysis and aide in a more though history documented for the operator.
• Serve as the primary J8 POC on the Unmanned Aerial System Block 2 upgrade. Worked with CJTF Troy staff, CENTCOM and UAS PMO to determine a product validation strategy and fielding strategy for the ITO.
• Liaison with NAVEODTECHDIV for improving “Non Line-of-Sight” Command and Control for MTRS operations leading to the drafting of a new JUONS.
• Participated in the C-IED field trails of electrical resistivity mapping technology, i.e. the transmitter and receiver are capacitively coupled to the ground.
• Participated in the field trails of a technology to detect, classify and locate “Un-intended Radiated Emissions” in support of C-IED mission.
• Participated and aided in the development of a proposal briefing for an emerging technology concept for characterizing an IED incident site. Proposal was funded and is being pursued.
• Documented technology demonstration and ACAT strategy concepts used in theater by CJTF Troy in routine submissions to the AUVSI website.
Below is a picture of me with MAJ Greg Holifield, PhD (Uniformed Army Scientist), MAJ Patrick Stamm (TF Troy J8).

A major lesson I re-learned from my CJTF Troy experience was the extreme value of insuring key stakeholders understand the basis for key acquisition decisions. Especially if these decision explicitly affect the war fighter (i.e. changes to final system configuration and/or logistic support infa-structure). A consensus between the acquisition and operator communities should be more than a goal but should be viewed as a rule or habit. Often times, the support acquisition community can fall into the easy trap, we can’t do this or we can’t do that with the DoD acquisition instructions being used as a “barrier of convenience” to not fully and openly communicate to operators in theater. The DoD doctrine should be followed and used to facilitate and positively affect how the war fighters needs can be met. At a minimum, details should be highlighted explaining the potential impact to the program if a requested change or implementation of an additional support element is pursued. These type of actions build a sense of partnership and will build trust between all stakeholders leading to a more effective and supportable product when fielded. Additionally, independent of the type of acquisition program, it is incumbent on the acquisition community to always be able to define the capabilities and limitations to be expected by the war fighter even when fielding the 80% solution.

Last week while surveying a couple of “bombed out” buildings on Camp Slayer, a camp on the other side of the airport from Victory Base Camp, we noticed this slightly modified switch plate in one of the buildings. Obviously, one of the “Joe’s” (G.I.’s) added some of their own accents to the switch plate. I thought it was great to note that even in this high risk environment, the war fighters still keep a sense of humor in everyday life.

Before I transition to my final tribute to the EOD hero’s of the Operation Iraqi Freedom, I want to highlight my appreciation to several individuals who have helped me during my deployment here. These individuals provided me their expertise, advice and guidance when I desperately needed it. They often gave me support or answers to my questions within the hour. In no particular order, my thanks are extended to: Angi Carr and Dr. Tom Curtin (AUVSI), Dr. Tom Swean (ONR), Jeff Geiger and Tina Kastner (ITT), Eric Pierce, Dave Junker and John Dudinsky (NSWC, Panama City), Ryan Davis and Rick Nagle (G2 Software Systems), Eric Bauer, Ed Crenshaw, Alan Lewis, Angie Cash, Christy Bickerstaff, Brian Mange, Bob Higgison and Mike Rothe (SPAWAR Systems Center, San Diego), Julie Banner (NSWC Carderock Division), Nancy Bowie and Chris O’Donnell (NAVEODTECHDIV), Dr. Craig Woosley and Kevin Kochersberger (Va Tech) and Dr. Katherine Taber (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine).

As far as the copious care packages and the many letters of encouragement sent to me and TF Troy J8, I want to thank the members of my family, numerous friends, and staff of AUVSI and the First Baptist Church of La Plata (Women in Mission) for all the goodies and words of encouragement. And last but certainly not least, Angi, I would like to thank you for all the support and guidance you have provided me to get this blog on the AUVSI site. My endless gratitude is given to you.

My experience has produced additional respect for the soldiers, Marines, sailors and Airmen many of whom are in the Iraqi Theater of Operations for 180, 365 or even 450 days tours. Those men and women continue to provide services to support the strategic goals of our country and additionally to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people. Since I arrived in theater, the following two individuals paid the ultimate price while performing an EOD mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, a third EOD Technician while conducting routine EOD operations, lost his right leg to an IED attack. Sergeant Christopher J. Frost is presently assigned as an EOD NCOIC at the 48th EOD Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England from which he deployed to the 732 ECES/Det 5 Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT), Forward Operating Base, Brassfield Mora, Iraq. As a WIT leader, SGT Frost was responsible for providing responsive C-IED intelligence, collection and analysis, as well as tactical exploitation capability in support of Multi-National Corps Iraq. On 18 May 2008, on route to an IED post blast investigation, SGT Frost’s vehicle was struck by an IED resulting in one KIA and three WIA including SGT Frost. His right leg was amputated below the knee due to severe injury but the doctors were able to save his badly damaged left leg. SGT Frost is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center in undergoing physical therapy and a speedy recovery. Here are descriptions of the two fallen warriors and their accomplishments.

Sergeant First Class Lawrence David Ezell was born on June 10, 1977 in Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 31, 1994. On March 18, 2000 he attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base and was awarded the 89D MOS. His previous duty assignments include Ft Stewart, Georgia and Grafenwoher, Germany. In March of 2007, he was assigned to 62nd OD CO (EOD) at Fort Carson, Colorado where he served as a Platoon Sergeant. SFC Ezell’s service included tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2005). On November 1, 2007 he once again deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Ezell’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (3d Award), the National Defense Service Medal (2d Award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), the Iraqi Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, The Overseas Service Ribbon (3d Award), the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, and the Drivers Badge. Sergeant First Class Ezell is survived by his wife Christy and his son Tristan, who reside in Fountain, Colorado and by his parents Lawrence Ezell and Rebecca Ballew. He was extremely dedicated to the mission, his Soldiers, and most of all, his family. He led from the front, guiding his EOD team members in their quest to become more proficient in their jobs as EOD technicians.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony L. Capra, 31, of Hanford, Calif.; assigned to Detachment 63, 688th Armament Systems Squadron, Indian Head City, Md.; died April 9 in Golden Hills, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he encountered an improvised explosive device.

At the time of his death, TSgt Capra was on his 107th combat mission, and assigned as an EOD team leader to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was conducting post-blast analysis of a roadside bomb crater. During his investigation, he discovered a second improvised explosive device only a few meters away; while attempting to render the second device safe, it detonated. Sergeant Capra entered the Air Force in June 1997; his most recent assignment was with Detachment 63 at Indian Head Naval Ordnance Station, Md. The sergeant had volunteered for his six-month deployment to Balad, his fourth since November2001. Sergeant Capra was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, first Oak Leaf Cluster, for his heroic actions during his deployment.

In closing my opportunity to support CJTF Troy and its war fighters over the past 4 months has been incredible. In my 26 years as a civil servant in supporting our Armed Forces, the past 120 days will always be a “showcase period” for me. It was enlightening, educational and rewarding. It was enlightening from the aspect of better understanding the needs and environment that the war fighter encounters daily. It was educational to learn how I can best tailor the process prescribed within the guidelines of the DoD’s acquisition system to more effectively introduce and sustain forward deployed capabilities required to fight an insurgent-based.

But most importantly, it was rewarding through meeting, getting to know and supporting the individuals that make CJTF Troy an effective and efficient war fighting organization. As MG Lynch (CG MND-Center Iraq) stated at the EOD Memorial last month, “I am humbled and honored to be in the presence of men and women that routinely lay their life on the line to support the goals and cause of our nation”. I too share that humility and sense of honor, for this very short period of time, I directly supported these hero’s and was proud to be considered part of the CJTF Troy team.

I’m 22 days from my departure from my deployment. I thought I needed to give you a small window for what the soldiers go through here and feel here. This is not intended to be comprehensive just a “tip of the iceberg” perspective. I wanted to submit to the bloggers excerpts from a TF Troy Command newsletter (i.e. developed by war fighters for war fighters) that gives a operator’s perspective of life here in Iraq, their thoughts and some ways they use to decompress or lower the accumulated stress. So enjoy and I’ll submit my final entry in about 2 weeks.

Excerpts from the Coalition Joint Task Force Troy Periodical: The Defuse
May-June 2008

Life of Tags
The things we carry with us –ordinary objects of little significance otherwise –become pieces of reverence when we carry them to the moment of death. The iPod in the cargo pocket, the wallet in the back pocket and the sweetheart photo in the breast pocket –these things become the last tangible link to existence. They become relics.

The clothes a person wears at the moment of death catch the last living particles and hold them close between the fibers. That is why the loved one left behind is so conscious to keep from shaking the fabric before placing it neatly folded in a keepsake box. Inside the fabric, there’s a bit of someone they’ve loved and ultimately lost. It’s not an easy sentiment to dismiss. More so than any moment in life, death is the instant in which a person’s identity is most entwined with the fabrics worn and the trinkets carried. Everyone knows the standard military identification tag.

At the Task Force Troy EOD Memorial, as I watched the senior enlisted leadership place the tags of those fifteen individuals on the memorial piece, I couldn’t help notice each of them took when handling the tags. Their movements slowed more than a step. Intent and concentrated, those honored men each made every effort to respect the square pieces of tin that they held in their hands. They showed such great reverence because they knew that they were handling a thing very personal –a link to one of their own whom had full and willingly paid the ultimate price in the name of service and country. They showed such great reverence because hidden beneath every service uniform is a set of tags dangling from the neck so very close to a beating heart.
-by SGT LUKE BALDWIN

Task Force Troy’s Technical Escort Detachment
Troy’s Technical Escort Detachment may be the most highly trained group of individuals in theater today. At least, that’s the first impression they give.

Spend any amount of time with the group and the sentiment won’t fade in the least bit. Comprised of both CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive) specialists as well as EOD operators, the Tech Escort Detachment is the ITOs expert at characterization, mitigation, assessment, and elimination of CBRN threats.

“We at Tech Escort provide theater-level support to all combatant commanders for WMD elimination,” explains detachment commander, Captain Joseph Monette. Characterization and analysis of hazardous materials is the focus of the Tech Escort team. When units conducting operations in the combat zone detect or otherwise come into suspicion of an area that might pose a CBRNE threat, the team at Tech Escort is the first response to characterize and assess that threat. Armed with an array of top-line detection equipment and dressed in specialized protective suits and masks, the team works in groups of two as a site-sweep is conducted to locate, mark, and eventually extract any and all hazardous material from the site. Over watch is essential to operating proce-dures. If any one member of the team is exposed or becomes a casualty, there are always team members on close stand-by for casualty extraction and treat-ment.

With the threat assessed and samples extracted, the next step in the high-stakes Tech Escort mission is to evacuate the collected material to a laboratory for final testing and analysis. “Tech Escort is the only highly specialized unit that I know of that combines the CBRNE and EOD assets,” said Task Force Troy Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Chadwick Bauld, a chemical officer himself. “Tech Escort is the model for future CBRNE forces.”

One would assume that, with the dangers involved with a job such as neutralization of WMDs, the Soldiers of Tech Escort would be one of the most high-strung group of Soldiers one could encounter. This simply isn’t the case. There’s an air of confidence that surrounds the specialized unit. It’s the kind of confidence that can only be attributed to the thorough and rigorous training each member on the team must undergo and complete to gain the fidelity of a command in charge of defeating potentially the most dangerous weapon in the enemy’s arsenal.

“Last summer we did live agent training in Canada. We also went through a Theater Mission Readiness Exercise in Utah which was set up and facilitated by the nation’s top scientists” said Master Sergeant Samuel Lewis, the Detachment First Sergeant and team member. “Also, as part of our train-up, we completed the Chemical Energetics Course which has been very fruitful in training our EOD techs,” CPT Monette added. The chemical energetics course gives special insight into the laboratory production of Home Made Explosives (HME). “We completed what is called confined space training. That exercise actually took place in an abandoned nuclear power plant in Washington.”

“We also train on a daily basis to sustain and advance our capabilities,” said MSG Lewis. “Crew level sampling, analytical training, confined space training, decon training, convoy training, weapons qualification and Blue Force Tracker training are just a few key pieces of training that we’ve done since we arrived in theater.”

“They have a very detailed training schedule,” said LTC Bauld, “and they challenge each other. They have to challenge each other. Every case that they respond to has the potential to present new dangers. Every scenario could be a different challenge or threat. They have to be able to think on the spot and react.”
In addition to all of the CBRNE focused training, the members of Tech Escort are all trained in close quarters engagements, combatives, and every member is combat lifesaver qualified. The team even has one Soldier, Staff Sergeant Maria Vazquezc, who is a qualified emergency medical technician. To better disseminate the knowledge they have acquired through all of this training, many of the Soldiers of Tech Escort play the dual role of technician and instructor. Fully qualified, they share their training with other Soldiers, especially in the EOD field, on subjects such as confined space operations. “The certification process is continual. The nature of the mission makes recertification a requirement,” CPT Monette added. Undaunted, the Soldiers of Tech Escort continually rise above the shifting dangers of their field of work to provide support to combatant commanders. “The team’s performance has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said LTC Bauld. Given the ever-changing challenges of CBRNE and the unremitting efforts of Chemical and EOD operators to meet those shifting challenges, it seems that there will always be a new face to Tech Escort.
-by SGT LUKE BALDWIN

A Pat on the Back and a Pie in the Face
There are times during long deployments when gratitude for your hard work and dedication can be overlooked. The TF Troy J2 wanted to make sure that his servicemen didn’t have this issue. To highlight the great work of his staff, he created the “J2 Outstanding Performer of the Month” award. The award is open to all enlisted servicemen in multi-serviced section. The awardees are judged on eight stringent criteria: duty performance, knowledge, military bearing, leadership, initiative, attitude, camaraderie, and self improvement. “I wanted to make this something to strive for,” said LtCol Price.

Each month the OICs select a deserving person from their section. The Senior NCOIC make the determination of the winner. The names are then turned over to LtCol Price who presents the award. In addition to the recognition, the prizes for the award are an added bonus. The recipient each month receives a certificate, TF Troy sweatshirt, a J2 coin, a half day off, and special reconigtion by the TF Troy Commander, COL Kevin Lutz. Since March, there have been two recipients. The first performer of the month was Micheal Scmidley from Louisiana. He is an analyst on the MND-B team in J2. “He did great work on some of the major RFIs that came into J2, and he also did a few working aids. He’s an all around great Airman,” said MSgt Bonfigli.

April saw Ssgt Kenneth Rath win the award. SSgt Rath is from Arkansas and is a Arabic Linguist. His specialty in J2 is vehicle borne IEDs. He was recog-nized for his outstanding work with home made explosives. In April, the Airforce House sponsored a Spring Fling. It was an event to promote fun and camaraderie with all of the servicemen on the Camp Victory Complex. The event was filled with food, music and fun. “I enjoyed the band the most. It was excellent,” said Susan Guido. The highlight of the event, however, was the fund-raising Pie-in-the Face contest. Units were able to donate money toward the candidate the wanted to see “pied” the most. Of course, candidate could also offer money to not receive the “prize”. From TF Troy J2, LtCol Price was the candidate of choice. The J2 section raised more than $200 to ensure it happened. When all of the money was counted, and the J2 properly cloaked in plastic to protect his clothing. SPC James Hockenberry was given the honor of presenting the J2 with the pie. “This was definitely a once in a life time opportu-nity. I know I’ll never get this chance again in my career,” said Hockenberry.

TSgt Susan Guido received the honor of smearing Major General David Clary, the Air Force House Commander. “I really had a good time. The General was an excellent sport and I appreciated that. Believe it or not I actually bid on the pie to save the General from getting pied,” she laughed.

My boss, MAJ Patrick Stamm getting “pied” at our Hail and Farewell.

Summer-esque temperatures arrived in March and reached triple-digits in April. The rise in temperature did not, however, deter the service members of Task Force Troy from bringing their own brand of heat to the firing range.

Above: Sergeant Walker taking his best shot & below: Sergeant Hodges excited about getting ready to shoot.

Above: TF Troy war fighter getting up front and personal with a 50-caliber machine gun and Below: MAJ Stamm and myself after time on the range.

// photos by SGT LUKE BALDWIN //

Lessons Learned

Hello from Baghdad. My tour is rapidly coming to a close. It is unbelievable how quickly it is passing. Currently, my deployment is 70% complete. This has been an incredible experience. For those who read this blog entry for its non-DoD acquisition content, I’m sorry. I’ve promised Dr. Curtin that I would give him my perspective on lessons learned relative to rapidly fielding equipment to meet emergent war fighter needs, and that will be my focus for this blog entry. I’ve supported USN operators with respect to DoD acquisition for the past 25 years. I’ve been a member of teams that have introduced equipment to the operator through streamlined acquisition process (i.e. between 12 – 24 months), testing to procure initiatives through OSD (i.e. less than 18 months) and more traditional acquisition initiatives (i.e. over 24 months). Through my experience of the past three months, I have been exposed to a rapidly evolving threat, an extreme operating environment and very innovative operators.

Of course, the evolving and lethal threat accelerates the need to get something out there. When we see US, coalition and friendly host nation “Wounded In Actions” and “Killed In Actions” day after day, all understand the urgency for rapidly getting hardware to the field. One of the themes that consistently receives attention, here in-theater, is using the baseline capability as the means for determining and measuring projected operational value of any proposed solution for the operational need. This is a key enabler that can place equipment into the operators’ hands sooner rather than later. If a program languishes within the bureaucracy, it often times will lose credibility because the fight moves on. Either through the continual flow of new equipment to the theater or through evolving Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TT&P), the value of the proposed solution can be minimized or eliminated. Unlike acquisition and technology initiatives in the “rear”, i.e. CONUS-based support laboratories and commands, a high priority operational need WILL be addressed in some manner. This will occur quickly in-theater, either through employment of COTS systems, a change in TT&P or a diminished threat due to a change in operational conditions. The time from official notification of program initiation to equipment fielding is targeted for less than 12 months. If much more than 12 months transpires, the battlefield could likely take a different form and a different set of rules could apply thereby rendering the resulting equipment of little value.

Taking this general rule into account, and assuming a well-defined operational need has been articulated, the next step is to get prototypes into operators’ hands. Identifying which COTS-based solutions offer the most promise takes an experienced acquisition agent who specializes in that specific war fighting area. This agent will normally be a government laboratory, contractor or acquisition office. The main areas of focus for this COTS selection, other than the “mission specific” Measures of Effectiveness critical to get the job done, (i.e. probabilities of detection, probabilities of false alarm, etc.) are system reliability and availability. Vendors advertised metrics must be validated by independent sources. The suitability of the tool to be used or employed by a war fighter that already has a growing toolbox must be well understood. Thus, equipment that requires unique knowledge, skills and abilities will not be viewed as positives. Training that can teach the critical skills necessary to operate the machine in a short period of time is vital. Also, the ability to repair the subject machine when it breaks is another key attribute that will lead to an effective and efficient assessment of the COTS solution. Weeding out COTS solutions often times requires someone to employ the machine in an operationally reflective scenario. To do this a cadre of operators’ representatives needs to provide a quick assessment of the machine relative to system suitability issues and develop notional Concepts of Operations or the like.

I’ve also had the benefit of working in theater over these past three months with leaders who are here on their second deployment. Selected key individuals were here in late 2003 through 2004. COL. Lutz, who was the first Commander of Task Force Troy in 2005, is back at TF Troy for a second tour. After speaking to these veterans of the C-IED war, it has become more obvious to me that urgent needs today require equipment that has suitability especially in the area of reliability that has been characterized and validated. Today, with the C-IED toolbox being filled with more tools than in 2005, the demands on prototypes to meet validated urgent needs are more stringent than in 2005.

The specific take-aways from my experience here that affect the most change in the fastest timeline possible are:
A) Specific definition of the operational need that has stakeholder consensus;
B) Mature prototype (i.e. well characterized) that is reliable and can be used to generate 1st generation TT&P;
C) A Operational Assessment that focuses on effectiveness and suitability (i.e. reliability, logistic support including training & maintenance, etc.);
D) Follow-on procurement of required inventory of equipment

Prioritization of the operational need considering baseline capability and existing operational risk will define the trade space of “speed to field” versus robustness of capability (i.e. effectiveness and suitability). There are numerous ACAT models that employ the characteristics of the above dialogue, specifically Immediate War fighter Need/Joint Urgent Operational Need, Defense Acquisition Challenge Program, Abbreviated Acquisition Initiatives (DoDINST 5000.2).

I guess I’ll sign off. But before I do, I wanted to highlight the details of another fallen hero who died in support of our country and OIF. Please remember, routinely, just like we all see in the daily editions of USA Today, our soldiers are paying the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy in our everyday life. So in every effort, those engaged in moving technology from the laboratory to the war fighter need to feel a sense of urgency and a sense of personal purpose. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin R. Bewley was from the little town of Hector, Ark. — but he was among the thousands of enlisted Navy personnel who for a year or two make Whidbey Island their home. Petty Officer Bewley, 27, died while performing one of the more dangerous duties in Iraq. He was part of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and he died of wounds suffered when a bomb detonated while he was conducting operations in Salah ad Din province, said the Navy.

 

Petty Officer Bewley was a member of EOD Mobile Unit 11, based at the Naval Air Station at Whidbey Island. His father, Ron Bewley, of Hector, said, “Let me tell you, man, it’s hard to bury your boy when he gets killed in Iraq. … My son’s name is Kevin Ronald Bewley. He was born April 18, 1980. He was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Russellville, Ark. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. I’m his daddy.”

Petty Officer Bewley was part of a tight-knit group of EOD members. It’s very much a brotherhood in his unit. The brothers loved to travel together; they made a driving trek to the Arctic Circle. They lived their lives with no regrets. After first joining the National Guard, Petty Officer Bewley joined the Navy in November 2001. He already had served a deployment in Iraq in 2006. “He literally had disarmed hundreds of bombs. Each one he disarmed saved someone’s life”.