15th November 2023 | UXO/Demining Caucus Hosts Veterans Working in Demining & Weapons Security

On Wednesday, November 15th, the Congressional UXO/Demining Caucus hosted a panel of four veterans working in global demining and weapons security programs. The event was an opportunity to learn about the importance of humanitarian demining and weapons and ammunition security to U.S. veterans and active duty service members, and participants heard from U.S. veterans currently working in demining at the State Department and in Ukraine and Ecuador, before an audience Q&A.

The panel was introduced and moderated by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Bill Johnson, co-chairs of the UXO/Demining Caucus, who opened with heartfelt remarks about their own service in the Air Force and their continued support for humanitarian demining, for the protection of civilians and our own service members abroad. Senator Tammy Baldwin also offered video remarks highlighting her role in supporting the Army’s Humanitarian Demining Research & Development program in the Senate.

Speakers included Piers Brecher, Training and Operations Officer, HALO Ukraine, Dave Chavez, Technical Field Manager from MAG Ecuador, Ryan Hendrickson, Owner and Founder of Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal, and Solomon Black, Branch Chief – Africa, Europe, and Middle East, from the State Department’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement.

Watch the full speaking program, and view photos from the event, below: