Good morning. Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians have the highest rate of suicide and illness-related deaths in the service. Despite increasing awareness, veterans say there’s been little progress made to protect them.
The blasts from these explosions can contribute to traumatic brain injuries, exposure to chemicals, and high levels of overall job stress. There is growing evidence that these hazards raise suicide and mortality risk. From 2001 to 2024, Army EOD technicians died by suicide at a rate up to two times higher than other soldiers, and four times as high as the national population, according to data The Assembly obtained from the Department of Defense in response to a public records request.
North Carolina is one of the military’s largest hubs for EOD units, home to the National Guard’s 430th EOD Company, Fort Bragg’s 192nd Ordnance Battalion, and Camp Lejeune Marine EOD. Read more in today’s lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. A protest against the American military incursion this weekend into Venezuela drew over 30 people. Plus, Cumberland County is rolling out a new Agricultural Business Assistance Program aimed at helping local farmers and producers recover from recent economic strain, funded by federal COVID relief money.
Thanks for reading,
Emily McCord
Editor for CityView
‘Death By a Thousand Cuts’
Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians have the highest rate of suicide and illness-related deaths in the service. Despite increasing awareness, veterans say there’s been little progress made to protect them.
More from CityView
Venezuelan Military Strike Stirs Anti-War Protest in Fayetteville, Home of Fort Bragg
A protest against the American military incursion this weekend into Venezuela drew over 30 people to a sidewalk in front of the Bragg Boulevard Flea Market in Fayetteville on Sunday.
Cumberland County to Launch New Aid Program for Farmers
Cumberland County is rolling out a new Agricultural Business Assistance Program aimed at helping local farmers and producers recover from recent economic strain—and the county is inviting eligible business owners to a public training session in January to learn how to apply.
Column: Keeping the Epiphany Traditions Alive
Bilingual columnist Claudia Zamora shares what it means to her to keep traditions alive on the Epiphany.
Events
MOTHERSHIP OF THE PINES—FITNESS FOR MOMS
- Where: Train House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines
- When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. today
- What: Yoga + Pilates-inspired strength, core, breathwork, and pelvic floor recovery.
SHAG LESSONS
- Where: Kings Grant Golf Club House, 347 Shawcroft Road, Fayetteville
- When: 6:45-8 p.m. today
- What: Learn to shag dance! Join us on Monday evenings for fun, music, and lots of smiles!
EVERYDAY HEROES AWARDS BREAKFAST
- Where: Dunn Shrine Center, 211 N. Clinton Ave., Dunn
- When: 7-9:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 6
- What: Join us in celebrating the everyday heroes and exceptional individuals who serve our community!
Obituaries
James Murray Hodges
James Murray Hodges, 79, passed away on Tuesday, December, 23, 2025. James jumped on his […]
Laura ((Kohlstedt)) Downing
A loving wife, mother, daughter and daughter-in-law, Laura Kohlstedt Downing, 60, died Dec. 27, 2025, […]
John Hugh Bryan
John Hugh Bryan was born January 9, 1944, to James Herman Bryan and Edna Pearl […]
Until tomorrow!
♻️ Do you have old electronics that you need to get rid of? You can recycle them for free during a Community Electronics Waste Recycling Drive. It’s from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, at the Ann Street Landfill at 698 Ann St. in Fayetteville. Just stop by and drop off your items. Cumberland County Solid Waste will accept things like printers, copiers, laptops, televisions, video game systems, cell phones, and computer equipment. Recycling prevents harmful materials in these items from getting into the landfill.🗑️
