National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day is observed annually on the first Saturday of May to honor the professionals that put their lives on the line to defuse, disarm or contain bombs and other explosive devices.

Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support provides the equipment that military EOD units demand. Explosives detection equipment, mobile EOD laboratories and X-ray systems are some of the items supported.

Other items like general emergency response kits are used by EOD technicians in response to incidents involving improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards, said Lauren Colabelli, an integrated supplier team chief with the Construction and Equipment supply chain.

“We also procure material to aid in the recovery, rendering safe, and destruction of explosives, such as total containment vessels,” Colabelli said.

The items C&E sends to EOD units do save lives, said Lauren Retos, a C&E tailored vendor logistics specialist.

“It keeps the EOD technicians safe and allows them to perform their mission, which in turn keeps communities safe,” Retos said.

Retos said that the feedback they’ve received from the EOD community about DLA’s support has been positive.

“They are very satisfied with our procurement lead times and customer service, and our ability to get them the right commercial items for the best price from quality vendors,” Retos said.

In 2015, Retos received an award for outstanding customer support from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head EOD Technology Division.

C&E equips military EOD units through their Special Operational Equipment and Fire and Emergency Services Equipment programs.