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Spc. Jennifer E. Moore graduated today from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, where she has spent close to a year learning the delicate techniques of how to recover, evaluate, safely render harmless and dispose of live ordnance.For Moore, paying attention to the details of such things as ordnance identification, disarmament, transportation and disposal, as well as rigging principles, reconnaissance procedures and nuclear, biological and chemical training can literally help save lives on the battlefield. Moore entered the Army after graduating from high school in Charlotte, N.C., in 1986 and finished her first stint in 1990. She admitted that the year-long training has been tough. "Training, for me, has been mentally and physically exhausting," she said. "There is so much you need to learn to make it through this school, and so little time to learn it. "The extreme heat and high humidity here in Florida added to the challenge when we had to perform EOD procedures wearing our protective clothing that included the bomb suit and chemical suit," she continued. "However, the school has been one of the most awesome experiences of my life." The Navy EOD school trains close to 2,000 students each year from all branches of service, and while each person volunteers for a different reason, Moore said, she had reservations at first. "I enlisted in the Army after a 19-year separation," she said, "and due to my high test scores, I figured I would have a long list of jobs available to me." However, Moore said, at the time she enlisted, the EOD specialty was the only one on the table. "I had wanted to come back into the Army for years, and EOD school was the only one available to me at the time, so, I took it," she said. "I decided to continue with the training and see if I liked it. I stayed in EOD because I love it." Moore and many of her fellow students believe that the extensive training they endure will play an important part in their future, especially during upcoming deployments. "I'm hoping that the training I had here, along with my continued training in the field, will help me part of a team that has an impact in saving lives," she said. While youth has its advantages in the military, Moore acknowledged, much of her success lies in having the right attitude. "I have learned that age and gender won't stop you from finishing a tough school like this one," she said. "But a lack of will can. The most challenging part of this training, for me, was stepping out of the civilian world and into the ordnance world with absolutely no background. I have to say, that my favorite part of the course was dealing with nukes and weapons of mass destruction." Moore said that while her family was supportive, early on they had definite reservations. "My family initially thought I was crazy to come to EOD school," she said. "They seem to have accepted it over time and look forward to having me back now that I've graduated. Of course, my friends still think I'm nuts." Her first assignment is scheduled to be Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Sept. 10, 2010: By Rich Lamance- Defense Media Activity-San Antonio  Redistributed by www.SupportOurTroops.org

Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta received a phone call from President Barack Obama yesterday, thanking him for his service. Obama informed the infantryman that he would receive the nation's highest award for his service and extraordinary bravery in battle, the statement said.The event occurred Oct. 25, 2007, in eastern Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. Giunta was a specialist at the time and rifle team leader. He served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based out of Vicenza, Italy.Giunta overcame being separated from his unit, evaded potential enemy captors and risked his life to rescue two fellow soldiers. His unit was divided during the gun battle. One fellow soldier was exposed to enemy fire when Giunta left his cover to pull the soldier to safety.The enemy continued to engage Giunta and the soldier as they worked to link up with their squad. During the movement, Giunta noticed two insurgents carrying the second soldier, trying to take him captive. Giunta immediately engaged the combatants, killing one and wounding another. He provided medical aid to the soldier while others provided security. The soldier eventually died of his wounds, but Giunta's actions prevented him from staying in enemy hands. Giunta, 25, is a native of Iowa, and enlisted in the Army in November 2003. He deployed twice to Afghanistan, and currently is stationed in Vicenza. The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military decoration. Six servicemembers have received the Medal of Honor all posthumously since the global war on terror began following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. On Oct. 6, 2010, Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, who was 24 years old when he died, will become the seventh servicemember serving in the global war on terror to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously. Miller will receive the award for his heroic actions in Barikowt, Afghanistan, on Jan. 25, 2008. Giunta will become the eighth Medal of Honor recipient for actions in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and the only Iraq and Afghanistan veteran to receive the award while alive. The White House statement did not say when Giunta will receive his medal. Sept. 10, 2010: By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden- American Forces Press Service  Redistributed by www.SupportOurTroops.org