EOD MasterBlasters Inc.

The association traces its roots back to the days of the Eglin AFB, Fla., EOD team's annual Christmas parties during the 70s and 80s. Out of this past grew an informal breakfast gathering of mainly retired Air Force EOD personnel, and by the early 90s these gatherings became a fairly regular event.

At a gathering in 1991, prior to a tour of the new Naval EOD School facilities at Eglin AFB, it was suggested that perhaps the group take these gatherings to the next level and launch a formal association of retired Air Force EOD personnel. A motion was made to this effect, and passed during a breakfast in January 1992, at which point elections were held and our first officers were selected. Between January and March 1992, a set of bylaws was drafted governing the association's operations. Then, on 4 April 1992, twenty-one founding members approved the proposed bylaws and the EOD MasterBlasters was officially on its way into the future.

In 1993, the association was granted tax-exempt, non-profit status, and is organized under IRS Rule 501(c)(3)19 - an organization of past and present members of the Armed Forces of the United States. As such, donations made to the association's various charitable funds are tax deductible. Additionly, the association incorporated in the State of Florida and was granted state tax exempt status in September 1993.

Initially the association was composed of four membership categories: Charter, Regular, Associate and Surviving Spouse. The Charter membership category was closed out at the end of 1992. A Lifetime member category was added in the late 90s. And during 2000, the bylaws were changed to convert active duty Air Force EOD personnel members from Associate to Regular membership. At that time, the bylaws were also amended to change the association from a retired Air Force EOD association to an association of Air Force EOD personnel, which it remains to this day. (Please see "Membership" for additional information about present membership categories, and to access a membership application form.)

The association is service oriented and provides its membership with an avenue to maintain contact and camaraderie. This is done through the semi-annual publication of the association newsletter, The Hellbox Times, and a membership roster published every other year, with updates in between each major roster publication. Further, an annual reunion is held in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., which in the past has brought members in, not only from around the United States, but also as far away as England.

The association, moreover, provides support to members of the active duty and retired Air Force EOD Community who experience distress. Support takes the form of "get well" cards, flowers, etc. This support is extended also to active duty and retired Air Force EOD non-members of the association. In addition, donations are made in the memory of members who crank off their Final Shot, or flowers are provided to individual’s funeral at the family’s choice. And, again, this is done for non-members as described above. Lastly, since late 2005, the association provides support to active duty Air Force EOD personnel who are wounded in action, including their families. This support is further provided to the families of active duty Air Force EOD personnel killed in action.

In closing, the officers and entire membership invite you to join with us, if you aren't a member. Please join and participate in the association's good work and share the sense of accomplishment of knowing that others have received the benefit of your efforts. It's a feeling that can’t be beat.

CONTENT