PRESS KIT

For any press inquiries, please contact george@btwob.org

WHO WE ARE

Bomb Techs Without Borders (BTWOB) is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), that was founded by US Army veterans. We are a registered non-profit in the state of California, and we have been a 501(c)(3) organization since 2018. Our passion and life's work is to prevent casualties from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) littering conflict zones around the world.

Our staff and leadership are comprised of US military veterans, along with leading private sector professionals, who are dedicated to serving as humanitarians globally. Our EOD technicians and operational teams have decades of experience performing EOD missions throughout the world including active conflict zones. We have a strong network of support in the American bomb disposal community, relationships with global technology companies, and formalized partnerships with other US based NGOs and universities.

MISSION AND VISION

Bomb Techs Without Borders’ primary objective is to provide each nation-state partner with sustainable, local capacity to mitigate explosive hazards that threaten civilians and infrastructure. Each mission is unique, and services are customized to best meet the needs and challenges of our partners.

Our team employs a multi-faceted approach that focuses on consistent engagement with national, state, and local leaders as well as the citizens they serve. We have modeled ourselves to build EOD capacity based on International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Partners, and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) training similar to what the US military provides in conjunction with the US Department of State.

“We have a duty to help the people of conflict zones. There is a moral imperative for us to share our experience, knowledge, and resources. The impact of conflicts last long after the last shot is fired. Explosive remnants of war halt reconstruction, prevent people from returning to their homes, and cause casualties among innocent people for years after war ends. We must work together with people around the world to build a better future.”

— Matthew Howard, Co-Founder & CEO

CURRENT WORK: OPERATION SUNFLOWER SHIELD IN UKRAINE

Bomb Techs Without Borders provides assistance in the recognition, identification, render-safe, and disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Our programs include, but are not limited to:

• EOD Technical Advisors – deployment of experienced EOD personnel to act as technical advisors assisting designated emergency services personnel. Additionally, provide guidance on the safe mitigation of explosive, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards and assist teams in the identification, render safe, and disposal of UXO as well as the construction of protective works for critical infrastructure.

• EOD and Demining Training – development and employment of a training program for emergency services conforming to US EOD and International Mine Action Standards. This training increases the capacity of designated personnel to respond and safely clear UXO and ERW.

• Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) – emergency education for first responders, civilians, and personnel from other NGOs on hazards and safety precautions related to UXO and ERW that may be encountered.

• EOD Logistics and Humanitarian Aid – sourcing of individual and team level gear including—but not limited to—personal protective equipment, medical trauma kits, tools for remote procedures, and specialized equipment for the safe disposal of UXO and ERW. Delivery of equipment and supplies directly to points of friction, placing items in the hands of people and teams who need them the most.

• EOD Data as a Service – creation and sharing of accurate and timely explosive hazard data needed to support operations.

• Regional and International Advocacy – facilitate coordination between stakeholders to encourage knowledge sharing between agencies and unified responses to explosive hazards.

NOTABLE MEDIA COVERAGE

• The work of our Ukraine Branch Director Tony Salvo to produce a handbook of ammunition in Ukraine featured in The Economist Espresso.

• Volunteer John Culp (US Army, ret.) on CNN discussing his work for Bomb Techs Without Borders in Ukraine.

• John Culp featured in Military Times for his work with other Bomb Techs Without Borders volunteers in Ukraine.