BY SEAN McCOLLUM
FOR THE FREE LANCE–STAR

They are a tight-knit network of professionals whose uniform may include a thick bomb-resistant suit. And when one of them falls or is wounded, the technicians of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community band together.

More than 200 supporters of the EOD community came together at City Dock on Saturday to jump into a very cold Rappahannock River.

This year’s Polar Bear Plunge benefited the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation, raising funds for the organization through an admission fee, costume contest and silent auction.

“Can’t wait to jump in,” said Master Sgt. Matt Small, an instructor with the Methods of Entry School at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

The festivities included a costume contest—where teams portrayed themselves as Muppets, Goonies, super heroes and even sticks of dynamite—and the plunge.

Some walked in straight-legged, like penguins, while others bailed out halfway through. The super heroes tried to stage an epic battle with each other in the water before they were defeated by the cold.

It was all in good fun, but the participants had a more serious reason for being there.

“A lot of these folks have comrades that have been injured, so they feel very connected and want to help,” said Sherri Beck, president of the foundation.

“Because we’re a small entity, we band together,” said Small. “When one of our warriors gets injured, it’s echoed throughout the community.”

In April 2011, Reese Hines of Air Force Flight B, 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, was injured in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The foundation helped him in various ways, he said, so he was there to return the favor.

“They helped out my family and my mom,” said Hines. “Not having the opportunity to work, she’s down here taking care of me. They’ve helped her out covering expenses and covering travel costs and what-not,” said Hines.

That assistance, according to foundation members, is substantial. The group has dispersed more than $350,000 to more than 60 families of EOD technicians. Some assistance comes in the form of plane tickets, living assistance and other benefits.

“We’ve done everything from flying in a brother who couldn’t afford an airplane ticket to buying a new washer and dryer to fixing a car to providing a therapy dog to the family to helping a family buy a house,” said Ken Falke, chairman of the foundation.

In addition to money, Beck also provides face-to-face support.

“I do weekly visits to Bethesda, Walter Reed. I just check on them, see if they’re OK, because follow-on assistance is available, too,” she said. “We understand that these injuries are for life and you may have circumstances along the way that may cause you to need something else.”

Sean McCollum is a freelance writer who lives in Fredericksburg.