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EOD member speaks to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clay Murray
  • 52nd Fighter Wing
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  A decorated Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, who was injured during a tour in Iraq, visited Airmen at the 52nd Fighter Wing in the base theater Nov. 19.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Slaydon, former EOD technician and currently a motivational speaker for the Air Force, lost his left arm above the elbow and all light perception in his eyes when an improvised explosive device malfunctioned and exploded within arm's reach of his face.

"The differences between my job now and my job as an EOD technician are night and day - it's a different way for me to fight the enemy," said Sergeant Slaydon. "It's a world of difference, but I'm still making a difference. What I learned about EOD is that I made a difference on the spot. Now I'm still making an impact on lives - it's just different."

Although not an active EOD technician anymore, Sergeant Slaydon knows that in his new job as a speaker still contributes to the critical Air Force mission.

Sabers from all across Spangdahlem Air Base went to the all-call in the base theater to listen to Sergeant Slaydon speak.

"I thought his story of coming through those kinds of pains and heartaches was great," said Senior Airman Michael Henry, 52nd Force Support Squadron. "I can't even imagine being blind. Like he said, he was always 'expecting' to lose a limb or maybe die, but never to go blind. It also amazes me that his wife has stuck in there with him through it all. That just lets me know that there might still be real love out there today, too.

"The fact that he never hated the Air Force or the military because of it all (stood out to me)," Airman Henry said. "I'm sure I would have at least had a phase of not caring much for all that. Sergeant Slaydon truly was and is a hero in my book."

Airman Henry's reaction to the story of Sergeant Slaydon is not exactly different. His story reaches out to a variety of individuals.

"I get overwhelming positive reactions (from my story)," said Sergeant Slaydon. "It lifts them up. They reevaluate their outlooks on the military and career as a whole."

With what Sergeant Slaydon attributes to his EOD brothers and medical professionals, his rapid blood loss was stopped and his life saved. Since the injuries were sustained, he has been involved in the rehabilitation process and personally challenged along the way.

"The biggest challenge was definitely the loss of my eyesight," Sergeant Slaydon said. "It has taken a long time to be able to get around and feel safe again. Things like dealing with the constant darkness. Lots of help through family and friends help me keep on living."

Rehabilitation has also given Sergeant Slaydon time to sort out his thoughts.

"A lot of my thoughts revolved around anguish over my career ending," he said. " I had planned to retire as an EOD shop chief and tell war stories and just live the lifestyle. After the military, I planned to do EOD in the civilian sector - it seemed like all of my life was over. For a long time, I had my head wrapped around that."

While in the hospital, Sergeant Slaydon received help not only from medical staff, but also from his company, who boosted his morale and helped keep his head up.

"Pure energy from fellow patients plays off each other," Sergeant Slaydon said. "From family to the Air Force in general, there is always someone there. For Airmen also in troubled or difficult times, keep at it, there is a top. If you keep trying you will reach the top."
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