R3 welcomes Jerry Shelton
Jerry Shelton joined R3 in January after a 30 year career in the United States Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Rising to the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant, he held distinction as the Air Force’s most senior EOD technician, “The Master Blaster.” During his EOD career, he served in a variety of challenging operational and staff assignments across joint, multinational, special operations, and service headquarters. With nine overseas deployments and six overseas assignments, in European and Pacific theaters as well as Iraq and Afghanistan, Jerry has led unexploded ordnance incidents and counter-IED operations globally. While serving aboard Naval EOD Technical Division at Indian Head, MD, he was Superintendent of the Air Force Detachment, and Air Force representative to the Department of Defense Military Technology Acceptance Board (MTAB) responsible for approval of EOD tools/equipment and procedures. His last assignment was Command EOD Functional Manager for United States Air Forces Central (USAFCENT), Shaw AFB, SC as the Subject Matter Expert to USAFCENT on EOD operations, wartime contingency plans, and policy. As Senior Enlisted Leader, he provided guidance, direction, and mentorship to more than 200 deployed active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen within the EOD, civil engineering and contracting specialties as the Directorate’s Chief Enlisted Manager.
Jerry’s personal awards include the Bronze Star and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from University of Maryland, Adelphi, MD, a Professional Manager’s Certificate from the Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, AL. He was the honor graduate of Class 122, U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy at Newport, RI. Due to his extensive background in EOD operations and joint service expertise, he will be invaluable to our ongoing support across multiple programs to include Naval EOD Technology Division. We are excited to have Jerry join the R3 team.
