PHOTOS: Over 500 Soldiers support the 123rd Boston Marathon

By Connecting Vets

Story by Airman 1st Class Randall Burlingame

Over 500 Soldiers and Airmen from the Massachusetts National Guard provided support during the 123rd Boston Marathon April 15, 2019, in Massachusetts.

The 104th Fighter Wing provided aid by sending experienced security forces Airmen and Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to the event.

Airmen worked with their Army and civilian counterparts along the 26.2 mile route to ensure the safety of all racers and spectators.

“We increase manpower and response capabilities,” said Master Sgt. Rob Krider, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron EOD operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “We’re also building partnerships and increasing agency interoperability.”   In addition, the EOD team is able to bring additional equipment that helps ensure safety, such as a total containment vessel. The TCVs eliminate risk by allowing EOD technicians to safely contain and transport explosives.

According to Krider, having their personnel on site is a great way to provide domestic operations capabilities to the commonwealth while also training newer Airmen.