Golden West Humanitarian Foundation

06/15/2026

The recent external evaluation of Swim for Life found that the project is highly relevant to the real drowning risks faced by children, parents, schools, and communities.

The evaluator noted that:
“The project design is highly relevant to the high-risk context, as well as to the practical needs of children, parents, and communities, and aligns well with the strategic priorities of the education sector. The school-based implementation model significantly enhances accessibility, particularly for disadvantaged children.”

This matters.

When drowning prevention is delivered through schools, it reaches children who may otherwise be left out. It reduces barriers. It supports teachers. It brings practical water safety knowledge into the places where children already learn.

That is how prevention becomes part of community life.

Help us support child drowning prevention in Vietnam:
https://bit.ly/4vJScVv

06/12/2026

We are delighted to welcome David Gerig to Golden West Humanitarian Foundation. David joins our Cambodia team as Program Manager, EOD Weapons/Ammunition Destruction Operations, following a distinguished 23-year career in the United States Air Force.

He brings extensive operational and leadership experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Humanitarian Mine Action, Physical Security and Stockpile Management, training development, and multinational capacity building in complex environments.

We look forward to the expertise and leadership David will bring to our work in Cambodia.

Read more about his background: https://bit.ly/3SAspAA

06/10/2026

A recent external evaluation of Swim for Life has confirmed the scale of what sustained drowning prevention can achieve.

The assessment reviewed the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation funded drowning prevention program across six districts of the former Quang Binh Province from 2021 to 2025.

During this period, Swim for Life Vietnam facilitated or provided:

• 5,071 Free swimming lessons for disadvantaged children
• 640 life jackets and floating backpacks for children in high-risk flood-prone areas
• 330 communications boards in schools and community common areas
• 72 warning signs in high-risk areas
• ... and water safety education for 22,415 school-aged children

These are not just program numbers. They represent children reached, schools strengthened, families informed, and communities better prepared to prevent drowning.

Help us continue child drowning prevention in Vietnam: https://bit.ly/4vJScVv

06/05/2026

Today, we remember and honor the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who took part in D-Day.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces began a historic operation that helped change the course of World War II and defend the freedoms so many continue to cherish today.

We honor those who served, those who fell, and all who carried the cost of that day. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

05/27/2026

In the penultimate chapter of A Short History: Humanitarian Mine Action Albania, Arben “Beni” Braha reflects on the people who stood behind the mission.

Chapter 10, Family, is a tribute to the wife, children, parents, relatives, mentors, colleagues, and friends who shaped his life and supported the long journey of humanitarian mine action in Albania.

Behind every mission are the people who carry its weight quietly, at home, in the field, and across a lifetime of service.

Read Chapter 10: Family. https://bit.ly/432nXg6

A reflection on family, friendship, and the lives carried alongside years of dangerous humanitarian work in Albania.

05/24/2026

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation pauses to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others continue to inspire those working every day to make communities safer from the lasting impacts of conflict.

We remember them with gratitude and respect.

05/14/2026

The past two weeks have marked one of the busiest periods yet for the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Ammunition Program. While operating with a small but highly capable team, our personnel have been simultaneously deployed in , , , and in support of U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of War (U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)) partners.

Working alongside national authorities, the team continues to strengthen safe and secure stockpile management capabilities through tailored training, mentorship, and construction program management.

The experience, adaptability, and agility of our personnel allow them to integrate quickly and effectively across diverse cultural environments and varying operational capacities, all with a shared goal of enhancing safety and security at both national and regional levels.

Golden West remains proud to deliver practical, lasting solutions to complex challenges while continuing to uphold the organization’s longstanding ethos of service, partnership, and impact.

We're building capacity through action.

05/11/2026

In the latest chapter of Arben “Beni” Braha’s biography, Beni shares how Albania’s mine clearance work neared completion, and how a new mission began.

Article 9 follows the shift from clearance in the field to safer ammunition storage, training, and Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) work designed to prevent future disasters and protect lives long before an accident happens.

Read Article 9: **Geneva, PSSM, A New Mission** Here: https://bit.ly/4wcWCFg

How Albania’s mine action work shifted to physical security and stockpile management, following Gërdec and the final stages of clearance.

05/05/2026

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation congratulates Steve Cassidy, CEO of EOD Gear in his achievements in winning the 2026 Tennessee Small Business Person of the Year and his invitation to the White House this week. As a leading United States Foundation who has been supported by EOD Gear across the world in technologies which enable EOD operators to continue to save lives and achieve their mission; we are immensely grateful for leaders such as Steve, who continue to care for enabling America to address the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance across the world.

Working together as an American EOD community we continue to save lives through ensuring the mission is safer and stronger.

04/23/2026

At , Golden West Humanitarian Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Центр гуманітарного розмінування Ukrainian Centre for Humanitarian Demining (UACHD), marking a meaningful step forward in strengthening humanitarian demining efforts.

With over 30 years of experience in EOD operations and mine action technologies, Golden West will support knowledge-sharing and practical capacity building, helping turn expertise into real-world impact on the ground.

This partnership is about collaboration, progress, and protecting communities. Every step forward in mine action brings Ukraine closer to safer land and saved lives.