Crawford salutes bomb-techs’ work

As an explosive ordnance technician, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford was trained to defuse bombs and other dangerous devices.

On Capitol Hill, Crawford works to highlight the importance of those who serve in that capacity.

On Wednesday, the Republican from Jonesboro was on hand for EOD Day on the Hill, an event that drew young service members and silver-haired military brass.

The Rayburn House Office Building foyer was jampacked with people and with various tools of the trade: blast resistant bomb suits and displays on the latest high-tech gadgetry.

Crawford helped to launch the EOD Caucus and serves as one of its co-chairmen.

EOD Day on the Hill has proven to be a popular event.

“We’ve made great strides over the year in helping to advocate for the EOD community,” he said.

“This is personal to me because I’m a former EOD tech, and there is a brotherhood among EOD techs. It’s a tight community, it’s a small community, and we try to look out for each other,” he added.

Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Washington bureau? It’s available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.