EOD Chief Master Sergeant Jamie Erickson

SMITHFIELD, Va. — EOD Chief Master Sergeant Jamie Erickson, a 1998 graduate of Gladstone High School, has retired from the United State Air Force after 26 1/2 years of service.

Jamie is the son of Rita and Jerry Erickson of Rapid River and brother to Audree Orna and Kaylee Reynolds and the grandson of Shirley Rabitoy.

Jamie spent 15 years in Europe before being stationed stateside for the remaining time. He was deployed to Iraq as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and was awarded a Bronze Star from his missions there.

He was also deployed to Afghanistan where he was awarded his second Bronze Star along with joint service achievement medal and a combat action medal.

EOD techs have some of the most dangerous jobs in the military. The small, elite group tasked with disarming and disposing of explosives need to have immense technical knowledge and mental and physical fortitude.

Out of all his achievements, the one he cherishes the most is that he brought all his teammates home with no injuries.

Jamie now lives in Smithfield, Va. with wife Hieke and sons, Niklas — who leaves for basic training on June 10 — and Kevin.