CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Brandon Waide is a member of the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than four years.
Sergeant Waide is an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman. His responsibilities include checking assigned aircraft for any explosive hazards, supporting local law enforcement with military munitions found in the tri-county area, and supporting Secret Service missions for the President, Vice President, First Lady and any foreign dignitaries traveling to the U.S.
"I get to experience things I never thought I would," said Sergeant Waide. "Growing up I never thought about being on the bomb squad but I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I've been hit with improvised explosive devices while doing route clearances in Iraq, but the amount that our team rendered safe far outnumbered the ones we didn't. You only hear about the ones that we didn't make it to, not the 30 that we took care of before the one we didn't."
Sergeant Waide contributes to the Team Charleston mobility mission by ensuring the mission isn't hindered by explosive threats; whether it's a flare on a C-17 or a suspicious package at the Base Exchange.
"Sergeant Waide is a very dependable and outstanding NCO," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Williams, EOD NCO in charge of resources. "He's always willing to help others with anything they need."
This "warrior of the week" hails from Tifton, Ga., and enlisted in the Air Force six years ago to see the world and for the educational benefits. His future career goals include continuing his education and use the experience he's gained to help train others who might find themselves in the same situation.