Beyond the Blast: Exploring the EOD Community's Untold Stories w/Stephen O'Donnell & JoAnne Nelson

Episode 1/3 of the EOD Memorial special. This is dedicated to the memory, life, and career of Spencer Nelson. (see bottom of the show notes for more info on JoAnne's husband, Spencer, and a brief history of his remarkable career.) Welcome to a very special episode of the HeroFront Podcast! In this EOD Memorial special, we have not one, not two, but three captivating episodes lined up for you. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and enlightened as we delve into the remarkable world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians. Every year, on the first Saturday in May, the EOD Memorial Ceremony is held to commemorate fallen EOD technicians to recognize and preserve the legacy of the service and sacrifices of our fallen warriors and their families. Join us as we sit down with a diverse range of guests, all intimately connected to the EOD community. In our first episode, we have the honor of speaking with Stephen O'Donnell, an Army and Marine Corps EOD veteran, and the proud owner of Master Blaster Coffee Company. (https://masterblastercoffee.us) Stephen, also known as "The Pushup Guy," shares his powerful story and sheds light on the challenges faced by white star widow Mrs. JoAnne Nelson, whose husband tragically lost his life to suicide. Brace yourself for an emotional and thought-provoking conversation tackling tough topics head-on. In the second installment of our EOD Memorial special, we introduce you to Mario Kovach, an EOD veteran and co-creator of the groundbreaking initiative, "Project Felix." Discover how this innovative project is revolutionizing the EOD landscape and making a profound impact on the lives of those involved. Finally, in our third and last EOD episode of the EOD Memorial Series, we have the privilege of hearing from Carlos Sanchez, a Chief Master Sergeant currently serving as a Legislative Fellow in Washington, D.C. Gain a unique perspective on the intersection of military service and legislative affairs as Carlos shares his experiences and sheds light on the vital role played by the Department of Defense legislative fellowship program. We discuss the significance of the EOD memorial and the distinction between PTSD and PTSI, to the heartbreaking reality of losing a loved one to suicide and the alarming "22 a day" crisis, we delve deep into the challenges faced by the EOD community. Moreover, we touch on crucial subjects such as transitioning out of the military, post-traumatic growth, and the quest for identity and purpose. A special shout-out goes to Heath Tempel for extending the invitation and to MSgt Jason Umlauf for orchestrating these captivating interviews. More on Spencer Nelson: AW (AW), OTA (IUSS), EN (EOD) Nelson Spencer's Navy career was as unique as he was and not one that most sailors have the opportunity or fortitude to serve, not then (70s, 80s and 90s) and still not today (2023). He was afforded three (3) different platforms and ratings in his 20 year career. AW-Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator, reflecting a specialization that was clearly born out of Cold War needs to monitor the activities of Soviet submarines. He was stationed in Lajes, Azores where the maritime patrol aircraft crews would gather intelligence by detecting, tracking, classifying, and analyzing both surface and subsurface contacts. OTA-Ocean Systems Technician Analyst, same premise and mission as the AW in him, but he got to do it from land based duty stations, Naval Facilities. He served at NOPF on Ford Island, HI. In 1990, more than 1/2 way thru his career he challenged the EOD physical fitness requirement because he exceeded the maximum allowable age limit, by almost a decade!!!!!! He "sailed" through the requirements and finally found his passion and jov of his career, EOD. He served with Mobile Unit 3 in San Diego until his retirement 26 years ago, 4/30/1997. He deployed on numerous occasions to regions you are all well to knowing of but had the biggest joy.