Golden West Humanitarian Foundation

We continue to work with our partners to strengthening HMA capacity in #Thailand. Earlier this month, the Thailand Mine Action Center’s (#TMAC) Demining Training Center (DTC) successfully conducted its #IMAS-based EOD L.1-2 training, (titled: TMAC Level 1-2). ? Developed through partnership with the US MARFORPAC HMA program, this course emphasizes our Train-the-Trainer methodology, equipping personnel with the skills to safely clear ordnance found in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.? ? Notably, this marks the first time TMAC’s DTC has independently planned and executed the entire training package; a significant milestone in Thailand’s HMA capacity-building efforts. ? The Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Thailand team was honored to support guest lectures and range operations, reinforcing our shared mission to make Thailand #LandmineFree. ? Congratulations to the 30 graduates who are now applying their expertise in Humanitarian Mine Action Units across the country. Your dedication is making a real impact! ? #GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #GoldenWestHF #HumanitarianMineAction #HMA #EODTraining #TMAC #Thailand #UXOClearance #GlobalSecurity #MineAction

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Explosive Harvesting Program (EHP) is a groundbreaking initiative supported by the U.S. Department of State Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) and the Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program (HDR&D). This is the 2nd part of our video showcasing the entire process; from identifying recovered ordnance to safely removing and processing explosives into high-quality shaped charges used in landmine disposal. Over the years, EHP has produced and supplied more than 615,000 charges to CMAC (Cambodian Mine Action Centre), supporting nationwide efforts to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance. This program not only addresses the legacy of war but also contributes to a safer, mine-free Cambodia. #landminefree #humanitarianaid #RoyalCambodianArmedForces #Cambodia https://lnkd.in/gb_tvWB8

The United States Military (USMIL) with technical assistance from Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF) have launched an intensive 3-wk Upper Management Training on International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and Physical Security & Stockpile Management (PSSM). ? This program is designed to train senior officials, decision-makers, and technical personnel responsible for arms and #ammunition management to ensure their ammunition stockpiles are well managed, increasing the safety and security of the surrounding civilian population in line with international best practices. Participants will engage in progressive training, combining classroom learning, hands-on exercises, and field visits to key ammunition storage sites. The focus is to enhance compliance, risk reduction, and leadership strategies to prevent unplanned explosions and improve stockpile security. This training is a critical initiative in humanitarian explosive mitigation, and helps nations strengthen their security infrastructure, preventing unauthorised access to stockpiles, and mitigating the consequences of an unplanned explosion. Thanks to the leadership at U.S. European Command, the USMIL and Moldovan cadre of experts for their commitment to safer ammunition management worldwide. #GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #USMIL #IATG #PSSM #AmmunitionSafety #GlobalSecurity #moldova

During a recent visit to the Forca e Siguris? s? Kosov?s (Kosovo Security Force KSF), Golden West Humanitarian Foundation provided mentoring on Explosive Limit Licensing (ELL) as part of the U.S. European Command Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) project in Kosovo. The training covered detailed procedures followed by field visits to Ammunition Storage Areas (ASAs) to gather additional relevant information. Using US EUCOM-purchased Laser Range Finders, KSF personnel accurately measured safety distances, ensuring compliance with international standards before returning to camp to finalize licensing paperwork. By ensuring ASAs are correctly licensed and maintained, we reduce the risk of unplanned explosions, ultimately ensuring the safety of civilians, and communities. We thank our partners at U.S. European Command and Forca e Siguris? s? Kosov?s for their dedication and collaboration in advancing explosive safety and security. #GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #Kosovo #KSF #USEUCOM #HumanitarianMineAction #HMA #PSSM #GlobalSecurity

In reponse to a great question from our friends at Center for International Stabilization and Recovery: "Love the video! The water applied to the saw blade, is that to prevent sparks during cutting? We'd love to feature an article on the EHP in The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction (bit.ly/jcwd)." From Len Austin, Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Cambodia Country Manager and Director of our Explosive Harvesting Program: "It's a mixture of water and standard metal cutting fluid. For cutting munitions, it is required to have 2 ports pushing out the cutting fluid onto the cutting blade and the other to flush the blade after the cut.? ? Our system recycles the cutting fluid using a straining system built into the cutting system. The cutting mixture removes 2 out of the 3 requirements to cause a high order detonation (the 3 being heat, shock, and friction) and we take away the heat and friction.? ? These requirements are based on the DOE M 440.1.1A DOE Explosives Safety Manual and the DoD 4145.26-M DOD Contractor's Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives."

Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lunar New Year! ???? As we welcome Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam and the Year of the Snake, we embrace a time of tremendous opportunity, renewal, and potential. The Snake symbolizes wisdom and intuition, reminding us that the year ahead will bring both challenges and opportunities. It is fitting that Golden West Humanitarian Foundation is undergoing significant transformation in this auspicious year. Just as a snake sheds its skin to emerge renewed, the Foundation is evolving with new leadership, fresh opportunities, and a strengthened commitment to our mission. #lunarnewyear #tet #yearofthesnake

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation's #Explosive Harvesting Program (EHP) is a groundbreaking initiative supported by the U.S. Department of State Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) and the #Humanitarian #Demining Research and Development Program (HDR&D). This short video showcases the entire process; from identifying recovered ordnance to safely removing and processing explosives into high-quality shaped charges used in landmine disposal. Over the years, EHP has produced and supplied more than 680,000 charges to ????????????????????????????????? - CMAC (Cambodian Mine Action Centre), supporting nationwide efforts to eliminate #landmines and unexploded ordnance. This program not only addresses the legacy of war but also contributes to a safer, mine-free #Cambodia. #landminefree #humanitarianaid #RoyalCambodianArmedForces https://lnkd.in/gpga3uuP

Real-world challenges often arise in the midst of training, and one of our recent practical training sessions was no exception. Golden West Humanitarian Foundation led by Subject Matter Expert Pete Archer, under the U.S. European Command HMA program, were providing technical support for the Moldovan Instructor Cadre HMA L.3 Practical Training. The team was called to respond to an ordnance emergency at a sand quarry in Crivleni District, where a German 8cm HE #mortar (Wgr.38) was caught in the teeth of an excavator. Thankfully, the construction crew was evacuated safely, and the Moldovan #Explosive #Ordnance #Disposal team went to work. The mortar was carefully transported to a nearby sand pit and disposed of without incident. With the live mission resolved, training resumed with a focus on battle area clearance, training with #drones to enhance reconnaissance and clearance efforts, practicing sweep patterns and honing their skills with the X-ray systems. The team tackled a range of ordnance during the session, including German 80mm mortars, Russian 122mm and 152mm projectiles, and 73mm rockets. From live missions to cutting-edge training, we’re proud to work alongside the Moldovan EOD teams to enhance safety and expertise in the region. #GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #UXO #EOD #Moldova #HumanitarianAid #HumanitarianMineAction #TrainingForSafety #InnovationInAction

Happy New Year from Golden West Humanitarian Foundation! As we step into 2025, we reflect on the incredible progress made this year, from UXO disposals in the Philippines and our on-going EHP initiative, to life-saving operations in Moldova, Sierra Leone, and beyond. Together, with our partners, we’ve supported professional training programs, protected communities, and advanced innovation to make the world a safer place. Here’s to a new year filled with continued collaboration, groundbreaking progress, and lives saved. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joyful New Year! #GoldenWestHumanitarianFoundation #NewYear2025 #MissionToSaveLives #GlobalPartnerships #HumanitarianAid U.S. Department of State United States Department of Defense US Army United States Marine Corps

In 2023, a plot involving the importation of bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone was uncovered, sparking a major intelligence operation. After a significant #intelligence, #military, and #police forces operation resulted in the successful seizure of the dangerous materials, Golden West Humanitarian Foundation’s Quick Reaction Force (#QRF) team was deployed to #SierraLeone with authorization from PM/WRA and support from the U.S. Department of State to assist the safe disposal of the confiscated explosives - Read all about the successful #mission here...