A Long Ride to Honor Those Who Take the "Long Walk"

Virginia Beach, Virginia Anyone associated with EOD has certainly heard about the "long walk," a reference to the technician's walk from command post to the incident site. To support those men and women who risk life and limb in the interest of public safety from the threats of UXO, retired Virginia State Police Bomb Technician Bobby Klepper will set out on November 1 to ride cross-country on a motorcycle wearing a bomb suit. His will make the trek in an effort to draw national attention to these EOD heroes and raise money for the EOD Warrior Foundation.

Klepper, a bomb technician himself for 34 years, came up with the plan while discussing his desire to help the EOD cause with friends. This self-described "bar napkin" idea has taken several years and numerous sponsors to bring to fruition. The three-week ride will begin in Virginia Beach, VA and end in San Diego, California and will include media stops and opportunities for other riders to join his journey along the way. It will be a southern route as a stop will be made at the EOD Memorial in Elgin, Florida for a memorial service and wreath laying in the initial stages of the ride.

Klepper will be raising funds for the EOD WARRIOR FOUNDATION , a nonprofit organization that serves the EOD Community providing assistance to active-duty wounded, injured or ill warriors, wounded veterans and their families, and families of fallen warriors. The organization also maintains the EOD Memorial Wall in honor of fallen EOD warriors. The Foundation believes the EOD family is for life and many will host events for the public along the way.

Corporate sponsorship is making the ride possible, but individuals are encouraged to get involved as well. If you would like to support Bobby's efforts for the Foundation, visit: EOD WARRIOR FOUNDATION Ride Donation Page, or visit Bobby's Facebook page at: Facebook Page.

UXOInfo.com is a proud corporate sponsor and will bring you daily blogs to track Bobby's progress and highlight stories of his adventures along the way. You may contact event organizer and chase car driver Tim Pierce, retired NAVY EOD and LDO retired commander, at (757) 477-0139 if you have any questions or need additional information. Pierce will be joined in the support vehicle by: Mary Gill, executive secretary for IABTI, law enforcement, and bodyguard for foreign dignitaries; and Donny Campbell, Virginia Beach police department, swat team, and bomb squad snipper.