Learning to Disarm, Learning to Lead In 1998 the Ministry of Defense created a special unit to stop the chain of accidents and to start cleaning the mess of landmines. I moved from Hookas to Tirana and was asked to help set up the division. Under the Partnership for Peace alliance came teams from the… Continue reading A Short History: Humanitarian Mine Action Albania – Chapter 4
Tag: Humanitarian Mine Action
A Short History: HMA in Albania – Chapter 3
Accidents in the Field, and the start of a Fledgling Democracy As seen through the eyes of Arben Braha, Albania’s 1st EOD Tech & HMA Program Founder My wife, Rudina, and I met when we were very young. She grew up in a military family and she understood the life, the early calls, the long… Continue reading A Short History: HMA in Albania – Chapter 3
A Short History: HMA in Albania – Chapter 2
Military Academy and the Last Hanging As seen through the eyes of Arben Braha, Albania’s 1st EOD Tech, HMA Program Founder I entered the military academy in 1985. I chose the army because it felt like the only path that was open to me, and because I wanted to serve and to make some kind… Continue reading A Short History: HMA in Albania – Chapter 2
A Short History: Humanitarian Mine Action in Albania
As seen through the eyes of Arben Braha, Albania’s 1st EOD Tech, HMA Program Founder & a good friend to all “The past is never dead. It is not even past.” William Faulkner wrote that, it is the quote that welcomes visitors to the BunkArt2 Museum in Tirana, and it follows me like a shadow.… Continue reading A Short History: Humanitarian Mine Action in Albania
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation in the Marshall Islands
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation in the Marshall Islands September 26, 2025 The Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF) has played a pivotal role in addressing the lingering dangers of World War II – era unexploded ordnance (UXO) across the Pacific, with a focused and impactful presence in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These remote atolls… Continue reading Golden West Humanitarian Foundation in the Marshall Islands
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Operations in the Pacific
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Operations in the Pacific July 15th, 2025 The Golden West Humanitarian Foundation has established deep roots across the Pacific Island nations. Our technical experts have worked throughout the region to remediate explosive remnants of war (ERW) from World War II. Golden West leads efforts to demonstrate United States support for its… Continue reading Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Operations in the Pacific
International Day Mine Awareness
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action April 4th, 2025 Humanitarian Mine Action Matters April 4th marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This day is a powerful reminder that the legacy of war doesn’t end with peace treaties. It lingers in villages, on farmland, and in… Continue reading International Day Mine Awareness