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Marine veteran and actor Adam Driver will portray Air Force combat controller John Chapman in a movie based on the battle in Afghanistan that earned him the Medal of Honor. Chapman died as he fought alone for hours on a mountain top in Afghanistan early in that war, drawing fire on himself as a vulnerable helicopter approached carrying a team of Army Rangers.
Longtime director Ron Howard is set to direct the film, which is reportedly to be called “Alone at Dawn.” Howard has directed dozens of movies, including Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code, Deadline reported
The movie will be based on the book of the same name about Chapman, written by Air Force veteran Dan Schilling and Lori Chapman Longfritz. Longfritz is Chapman’s sister and Schilling was a 30-year combat controller and special tactics officer, the Air Force’s job title for officers who train with and lead enlisted combat controllers. Rumors have long circulated about movie deals around the book and Chapman, but no cast and crew have previously been confirmed, until now.
| by Schilling and Longfritz | |
Ron Howard is no stranger to taking real-life stories and adapting them into incredible cinematic experiences, and he looks to have found that next powerful story to tell. Sources tell Deadline that Howard has come on to direct the Amazon MGM Studios drama Alone at Dawn, with Adam Driver and Anne Hathaway set to star.
Amazon will release the film in theaters. It falls under Amazon MGM’s recently renewed first-look film deal with Brian Grazer and Howard’s Imagine Entertainment.
Producers include Imagine Entertainment, The Hideaway Entertainment and Thruline Entertainment, in addition to Kristy Grisham, William Connor and Patrick Newall. Michael Russell Gunn will executive produce. Michael Russell Gunn penned the script, with previous revisions by Erin Cressida Wilson and Amy Herzog.
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Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Wing rescued an individual suffering a traumatic hand injury at Eareckson Air Station on October 9. The installation sits approximately 1,640 west of Anchorage on the remote island of Shemya.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center opened the mission in response to a medical evacuation request from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Juneau.
The Alaska Air National Guard’s 211th Rescue Squadron accepted the mission and dispatched an HC-130J Combat King II with two 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen on board.
| | At this Air Rescue Association Symposium, the HH-43 Association disbanded and folded into the Air Rescue Association like the Jolly Green Association did when they disbanded. Some of the surviving HH-43 aircrew attended, to include Pararescueman Tommy Miles. Pararescue walked away with many awards, and the Friday night Gala closed out the event. | | |
Pararescueman Tommy Miles spoke at the Symposium about his experience in Vietnam and surviving an incident when his HH-43 aircraft was blown out of the air when a fully loaded B-52 exploded beneath his aircraft.
Tommy Miles Jr., a PJ was involved in a rescue during a B-52 crash in Thailand in 1969. He was part of a helicopter crew that scrambled to rescue the crew from a burning, bomb-laden B-52. The helicopter was struck by debris from the B-52's eventual explosion.
The B-52 was carrying 300,000 lbs. of fuel and 108 500-pound bombs when it skidded off the runway into a ditch in an attempt to abort takeoff. The tail gunner popped his Gun Pod, slid down a rope, and was picked up by a maintenance crew, who then drove to the safety of a nearby revetment. The remaining crewmembers escaped through overhead escape hatches at the front of the plane and were picked up by CFR Firefighters. By this time, the HH-43 rescue helicopter Pedro 70 was overhead. When the ground Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) personnel only counted five of the six-man aircrew (they were unaware that the gunner had been rescued), they told everyone including Pedro that there was a man still in the B52. Pedro decided to make one more pass to assist in locating the missing crewmember. That's when it exploded killing the entire HH-43 crew, except Tommy Miles, who barely survived the explosion.
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The 2025 Air Force Rescue Association Symposium, followed by its Gala and Award Ceremony came to an end on October 12th. Pararescue walked away with Squadron and Mission awards.
The PJs and CROs from the 57th RQS was named Air Force Rescue Squadron of the Year. Eight PJs and 2 CROs (Viking) from the 38th RQS were part of the Air Force Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year. The mission also included the 41st RQS (Jolly 41 Flight) and 71st RQS (Bandage 48).
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1. Rescue Squadron of the Year: 57th Rescue Squadron, Aviano, Italy.
2. Air Force Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year: PJs and CROs (Viking Team) from the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, GA:
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BANDAGE 48 TEAM:
- Capt Fitzhugh Lee - CRO
- TSgt Michael Blair - PJ
- SSgt Ramsey Flynn - PJ
- SSgt Chase Valliancourt - PJ
- SrA Austin Smith - PJ
- SrA Jeffery Nassif - PJ
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JOLLY 41 FLIGHT TEAM:
- 1 Lt Thomas Kling - CRO
- SSgt Brandon Deckard - PJ
- SSgt Evan Lau - PJ
- SrA Baron Floyd - PJ
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Department of Air Force Letter / Citation
| | All award winners are spelled out in October's Newsletter (linked at the bottom of the page) | | The Gala was the final event. Some said, a picture is worth 1000 words. Below is a link to 342,000 words in pictures. Enjoy! | | Pitsenbarger Memorial Photos | | Pitsenbarger Memorial Dedication what held in Covington, OH, on October 15, 2025. Photo are from several Meet and Greets and the Memorial Dedication. Enjoy! | |
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The linked book, PJs in Vietnam, chapter one, covers Bill Pitsenbarger's time in Vietnam up to his final mission. The book was researched and written by Robert L. LaPointe, USAF PJ, Retired.
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I spoke with an individual from the Air & Space Forces Association about an event to honor Bill Pitsenbarger on the 60th anniversary of his final mission. We're looking at the Piqua, OH, area (Bill's home town). The Pararescue Foundation already came onboard to join in this endeavor.
This event is to commemorate Bill Pitsenbarger's 60th Anniversary of that historic day (April 11, 1996) when Bill gave his life, That Others May Live. That's not just a saying, others did live, approximately 60 soldiers lives were saved because of Bill's heroic actions and sacrifice that day.
This is still in the planning stages, but the event dates are set for April 10-11, 2026. If you know of a group interested in becoming involved, donating, etc., please contact me at Jim@Morris.net.
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Udo and Rosaline are together again. Rosalie Fischer, Udo's wife passed away on October 12, 2025, peacefully after receiving long-term hospice care in the home of her daughter, Susanne Fischer Mitchell.
The Fischer Family appreciates the kind support, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of 'Udo and Rosalie Fischer' to the Pararescue Foundation.
| Saturday, October 18, 2025, was a Memorial Service for CMSgt (Ret) Transito "Pancho" Trujillo, in Trementina, New Mexico. It was held at Trementina Elementary School with 50 family members and friends, and seven PJ's - John Dagneau, Tom Newman, Dave Young, Mike Brown, Larry Broomfield, Chuck Hassler, and Dave Root. Chief's ashes were scattered by his sons from the summit of Trementina Mountain near where he was born. Chief's family and friends were there. | CMSgt (Ret) Mike McManus Internment at Arlington Cemetery is scheduled for November 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM. You must arrive NLT 8:15 AM in a vehicle with appropriate ID (real ID, passport, or DoD ID). A reception will be held at 11:00 AM at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub. Rose Duvall-Duffman is the P area point of contact. | |
HH-3 / Shot down on Bat 21 SAR mission / South Vietnam / 11/09/1967
HH-53 / Shot down returning from SAR / South Vietnam / 11/21/1971
HH-53 / Shot down returning from SAR / South Vietnam / 11/21/1971
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Sgt Raymond A. Brady - Killed in Line of Duty
Vehicle accident responding to a HC-130 SAR scramble / Alaska / 11/15/1975
- MSgt Richard A. Harder - Killed in Line of Duty
Suffered a heart attack during physical training / California / 11/21/1996
- SMSgt Randy S. McComb - Killed in Line of Duty
Vehicle accident while driving to work (HQ ARRS) / Illinois / 11/19/1983
| Above information was compiled by Bob LaPointe, PJ, Retired. | |
CELEBRATE A HERO
April 11-12, 2026
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I spoke with an individual from the Air & Space Forces Association about an event to honor Bill Pitsenbarger on the 60th anniversary of his final mission. We're looking at the Piqua, OH, area (Bill's home town). The Pararescue Foundation already came onboard to join in this endeavor.
The National Museum of the Air Force where Bill is recognized in several locations in the museum is just south of Piqua. Bill is buried just west of Piqua in Covington, and the USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway (State Rt 48) runs from Dayton north past the cemetery where Bill is buried.
The event is to commemorate Bill Pitsenbarger's 60th anniversary of that historic day in April (April 11, 1996) when Bill gave his life, That Others May Live. That's not just a saying, others did live, approximately 60 soldiers lives were saved because of Bill's heroic actions and sacrifice that day.
This is still in the planning stages, but the event dates are set for April 10-11, 2026. If you know of a group interested in becoming involved, donating, etc., please contact me at Jim@Morris.net.
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PARARESCUE REUNION
August 19-22, 2026
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By popular demand, the PJ Reunion is going to be an annual event. The next reunion is August 19-22, 2026, in Helen, GA. The host resort is the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center in Helen, GA., so mark your calendar.
Attending the reunion is free, that's right, free. Your only expense is your lodging and meals. You can start making hotel reservations today. Call 706.878.2271 and mention you are attending the Pararescue Reunion when you make your reservation. If you want more specific information, contact Larry Palmer or David Cogswell. There info is in the card above.
This is the most relaxing experience a group of PJs can have. No schedules, no micro managed events and no hurry up and wait, and we will once again have a hospitality room. At this event, you do what you want, when you want and with who you want. And it's one of the most least expensive family vacations you can take. More information to follow.
| | - click here for PJF resiliency webpage - | | Resiliency & Other Events | | |
PJF Resilient Warrior - Operator & Spouse Retreat - Gettysburg, PA
- Leadership & Freedom Center
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PJ/CRO Graduating Class 2025-03 - Albuquerque, NM
- Friday, December 19, 2025, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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PJF Backcountry Colorado Ski Retreat - Colorado Springs, CO
- 10th Mountain Division Huts
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PJF Wellness retreat for USAF Guardian Angel Leaders - Geyserville, CA
- Monday, May 4, 2026, 10:30 AM to Friday, May 8, 2026, 11:30 AM
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Point of Contact: Colleen McBratney at 210-364-2280 or colleen.mcbratney@pj.foundation to inquire about registration or ask any questions.
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Pararescue Foundation (PJF)
| | NOTE: For transparency sake, we’ve just completed and filed our 2024 IRS 990. And, we’re about to publish our 2024 Impact Report. Both documents can be found at the bottom of our website page. | | |
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which also occur on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while the older Memorial Day, which grew out of Civil War commemorations, specifically honors those who have died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of U.S. states that specifically honor women who have served in the U.S. military.
The photos below are of Veterans we may know, may have served with, but all of them are our Brothers.
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We are collecting photos of all PJs & CROs (those with us and those who have passed) in some type of uniform for an online album and historical purposes. Email me your photos with names of those pictured with 'PJ Photos' in the subject line. Even if you cross-trained or switched services, send those photos too. Team photos are welcome. I'll cleanup and optimize the photos as needed. I would like names of those in the photos so I can include their names in the file name. The photos will be in the public domain and free to copy or download. Thank you.
I will add photos as I receive them. There may be a week to a month process time. Send as many as you want. Email them to me at Jim@Morris.net with "PJ Photo" in the subject line. Thank you.
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As veterans, November is a meaningful month where we find remembrances to celebrate with a joyful depth: |
- We give a ‘hooah’ on the 10th for the Marine’s 250th birthday.
- We pause to reflect on the 11th for Veterans/Armistice Day.
- Though not a holiday, Election Day is our fought for opportunity to exercise our right to freely vote in our democracy.
- Finally, millions of our compatriots eagerly look to Thanksgiving.
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This is our time to find creative ways to thoughtfully ‘Give Thanks’ to our family and neighbors. I hold in high memory working with chapel teams and lay leaders who made a tremendous difference in the lives of military congregations spiritually and emotionally, at home, deployed and in war. As retirees we can play it forward.
Proverbs chapter 3 says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
| Meet our Chaplain - Rev Dr. Thomas Azar (Lt Col, AFSOC Wing Chaplain, Retired) has been serving the Lord and people around the world since 1973 as a pastor, chaplain and missionary. A trained counselor and seminar leader for over 5 decades, he has helped individuals overseas and at home, in peace and in war. He continues preaching, teaching and discipling. An avid outdoorsman, he has made the Adirondack Park his home with his wife Mary. | |
A Tapestry of Diversity
Pararescuemen and Combat Rescue Officers come from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all races and cultures, all 50 states and from some allied countries. PJs are United States Air Force Special Warfare Airmen who conduct personnel recovery and combat search and rescue operations missions for the U.S. military and its allies behind enemy lines, in hostel and contested areas around the world and in civilian communities.
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As highly trained special operators, PJs & CROs generally work in small teams or attached to SEAL teams, Army Ranger units and Army Special Forces A teams. They also supported NASA missions, and have recovered astronauts after reentry, and supported astronaut rescue and recovery from Space Shuttles emergency reentries and open water ditching.
| | AIR FORCE SPECIAL WARFARE | | - click on above graphic - | | Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) comprises highly trained, ground combat forces specializing in applying airpower in challenging environments. These Airmen are organized into Pararescue (PJ), Combat Control (CCT), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) career fields. They integrate air, space, and cyber power with special operations and conventional forces to provide global access, precision strike, and personnel recovery capabilities. | | |
Mission:
- AFSPECWAR's core mission is to enable the application of airpower in austere and contested environments.
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Career Fields:
- Pararescue (PJ): Experts in combat search and rescue, providing medical expertise and recovery capabilities.
- Combat Control (CCT): Experts in air traffic control and terminal attack control, facilitating the movement of forces and equipment.
- Special Reconnaissance (SR): Conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations, gathering intelligence and assessing battle damage.
- Tactical Air Control Party (TACP): Integrate air and ground operations, guiding air strikes and coordinating fire support.
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Training:
- AFSPECWAR personnel undergo rigorous physical and mental training, including specialized skills like diving, parachuting, and survival training.
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Integration:
- AFSPECWAR works closely with both conventional and special operations forces, often operating in the most demanding and challenging environments.
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Evolving Role:
- AFSPECWAR is continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern warfare, including integrating cyber and information operations.
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Selection Process:
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AFSPECWAR utilizes a rigorous assessment and selection process to identify individuals with the necessary physical and mental attributes.
| | Not Just for Widows Anymore | |
Bob Hope Village, a.k.a., Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) is a 501c3 nonprofit retirement community for widows of Airman and retired married enlisted Airmen, retired single veteran. and exceptions to written policy possible.
Military families understand the life of service. You dress sharp, you report on time, and you stay ready to deploy on a moment’s notice - all for the country you love and the people that you care about. When retirement comes, you and your family have earned the chance to pass the torch, kick back and enjoy the lifestyle of retirement along the beautiful Florida coast. As a not-for-profit retirement community, Air Force Enlisted Village offers a proud and patriotic retirement lifestyle for veterans and surviving spouses.
Nestled along the beautiful Emerald Coast of northwest Florida in Shalimar, it is an active, friendly, fun-filled retirement community, giving you a worry-free lifestyle in a fantastic location within earshot of Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. From independent living unit to assisted living and memory support, it give military families the easy-breezy retirement you’ve earned.
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Victory Village is becoming a reality. It will be situated across from the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Florida. It is a 501c3 nonprofit veteran senior living community with resources and services tailored to meet the financial, physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of its residents. This blended community will be comprised of wounded warriors and their caregivers, the surviving spouses of retired enlisted Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Guardians, and retired enlisted couples.
To best care for our nation’s heroes and defenders - those who have sacrificed nearly everything, Victory Village will bridge the gap between medical and wellness needs. It’s our duty to ensure these aging service members receive complete support with a specialized continuum of care that will include the following services and amenities:
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- Multiple friendly communities and neighborhoods
- A multidenominational chapel that welcomes all faiths
- A community center with engaging events and activities
- An exercise center with a pool and fitness equipment
- Green spaces, walking paths and communal areas
- Innovative health and wellness services and therapies
- Concierge retail services and more
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This is the official newsletter of the Pararescue Brotherhood. It is self funded, developed and published for the Pararescue Brotherhood by a retired PJ. It was developed to replace and fill the void left by the PJ AIG when its intent changed. This Newsletter is a nonpartisan, apolitical, non-bias, non self-serving and non self-promoting newsletter.
This newsletter is available free of charge to anyone - no membership, dues, etc., required. We have about 3000 subscribers; mostly PJs and a lot of CCT. We also have many TAC-Ps, sister service special operators, a lot of support personal, etc., and some future PJ along with some LEGs.
If you have something you'd like to share with the Brotherhood in the Newsletter, pass something along to the Brotherhood, share a special interest story, connect with a long-lost military Brother, promote a military event, etc., email me, the editor, at Jim@Morris.net with 'PJ Newsletter' in the subject line. All is subject to review.
Are you are a writer, artist, cartoonist, etc.? We will include your content subject to review. If you are a published author of something military related or of something that is beneficial to the community, send us the information for review and we will help promote it.
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Subscribe to the Pararescue Newsletter. It's free to anyone; you don't need to be a PJ to receive it. It's a monthly electronic publication, with Special Editions when warranted and Obituaries as needed.
Click on the barcode or scan it with your smartphone to subscribe.
| | HooYah! Airborne! Rescue! | | |
Disclaimer: The visual appearance or written content in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement.
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