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JOSEPH A. LaPERRIERE
Rest in Peace, PJ
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SERVICE INFO: Joe LaPerriere passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 74 in North Point, FL. There will have a church service in honor of Joseph Alexander LaPerriere, on March 18, 2026 in Sarasota, FL. Afterwards he will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL, around 1PM.
There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends after the burial. It will be held at Oakwood Community Center. Unable to confirm location address at this time.
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LAST DRINK: We are reviving the "Last Drink" tradition. When we lose a Brother. Instead of having a last drink, put $10 in an envelope and send it to the family. Feel free to account for inflation and increase the 'Last Drink'.
Mailing address pending . . .
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MARK F. MAHONEY
Rest in Peace, PJ
| SERVICE INFO: A service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11AM, at Faith Lutheran Church for Mark Francis Mahoney,10000 Spain Rd, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Watch Mark's obituary for information. | | |
OBITUARY: Mark Francis Mahoney, a man whose life was defined by service, faith, and unwavering devotion to others, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 70. He died surrounded by his family after years of courageously facing two rare neurodegenerative diseases.
Mark's faith in God was the foundation of his life. He lived with humility, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to putting others before himself. In the first half of his adult life, he served as a Pararescueman in the United States Air Force, living fully by the motto "That Others May Live." During his years of service, he saved dozens of lives, helped deliver two babies, and found deep camaraderie among his pararescue brothers. He took great pride in advancing the career field and supporting those who served alongside him.
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LAST DRINK: We are reviving the "Last Drink" tradition. When we lose a Brother. Instead of having a last drink, place $10 in an envelope and send it to the family. Feel free to account for inflation and increase the 'Last Drink'.
Send it to Jennifer Mahoney, 7612 Gladden Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
| | Below are links to two heroes, A1C William H. Pitsenbarger and MSgt John A. Chapman. Remember them on Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2026, and everyday. | |
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CELEBRATING A HERO
- April 10-11, 2026
- Piqua, Ohio
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It's going on 60 years since Operation Abilene and the Battle of Xã Cẩm Mỹ in Vietnam took place. That's when Bill Pitsenbarger saved 60+ lives during the two day battle on April 11-12, 1966. During the battle, Bill refused to leave the battlefield and return to his aircraft. Instead he waived it off to stayed on the ground, treated the wounded and defend their position. Under fire Bill maneuvered to and from the frontline to retrieve the wounded and treat their injuries. He hide and camouflage the wounded in case they were overrun. Bill continued risking his life to save the lives of others until he succumb to injuries from gunshot wounds.
As stated, this event is to commemorate Bill Pitsenbarger's 60th anniversary of that historic day in April 1966, when he gave his life, so 'That Others May Live'. That's not just a motto, others did live that day, approximately 60 lives were saved because of Bill's heroic actions and sacrifice.
The Air & Space Forces Association is planning an event with support from the Pararescue Brotherhood, Pararescue Foundation and Air Rescue Association to commemorate Bill Pitsenbarger's 60th anniversary of his historic actions on that day. The event location is Piqua, Ohio, Bill's hometown, just north Daytona, OH, off I-75. Contact me at Jim@Morris.net for more and updated information.
| HOST HOTEL: The event hotel is the Comfort Inn & Suites, 987 E. Ash Street, Piqua, OH. Phone: (937) 778-8100 for reservations. | ITINERARY: If you plan to attend the movie Last Full Measure on Friday evening, attend the event at Pitsenbarger Park or Pits' Gravesite Ceremony on Saturday, you MUST REGISTER through the registration links on of the itinerary webpage. There are two places at the bottom, one for Friday night and the other for Saturday's events. | |
PORTRAITS IN COURAGE - Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on April 11, 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. On that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an ongoing firefight between elements of the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizeable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. Airman Pitsenbarger gave his life saving 60 service members from Charlie Company during the longest battle of the Vietnam War.
U.S. Air Force video by Kevin Denter with narration by Master Sergeant Rusty Sawyer - November 2016
| HOMETOWN HERO - Piqua, a small town in Ohio, honors Medal of Honor recipient William Pitsenbarger, who lost his life during the Vietnam War. He gave his life so others may live. | |
CBS SUNDAY - On April 11, 1966, Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger personally saved more than 60 service members who had been ambushed by the Viet Cong. He was killed in action while trying to help the injured. The survivors of that battle recommended him for the Medal of Honor, a tribute that would not be fulfilled for nearly 35 years. Pitsenbarger's story is now told in a new film, "The Last Full Measure."
CBS News national security correspondent David Martin talks with director Todd Robinson about his promise to Vietnam War veterans that their story, and Pitsenbarger's sacrifice, would not be forgotten.
| BEHIND THE SCENES - THE LAST FULL MEASURE (movie) - (featurette / interviews) The Last Full Measure - starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Ed Harris, William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Peter Fonda. Interviews with veterans of Operation Abilene. | |
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT
- April 12, 2026, 2-4 PM
- Troy, Ohio
| In commemoration of the 60th Anniversary, two heroes will share the stage to tell the firsthand story of William H. Pitsenbarger's heroism on the day of his ultimate sacrifice and earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. | |
Guest Speaker:
1. Chief Master Sergeant David Milsten retired from the Air Force after serving for over 30 years. He served as an Air Force Pararescue Airman with Bill Pitsenbarger on that dreadful day,
2. Army Veteran and self declared "Mud Soldier", Phillip Hall, survivor of the Battle of Xã Cẩm Mỹ in Vietnam, where Bill Pitsenbarger gave his life so that others may live.
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- LOCATION: Miami Valley Veterans Museum, 2245 S Co Rd 25A, Troy, OH 45373
- DATE: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- TIME: 2 to 4 PM
| Open the Museum's Event webpage link below to sign-up for the speaking engagement and reserve a seat. Read more about Sunday's event. | |
We are collecting photos of all PJs & CROs for an online album and for historical purposes. Email me your photos, if possible, with names of those pictured. Even if you cross-trained or switched services, send those photos too. Team, mission, individual, etc., 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 are maintained in the public domain and are downloadable to all.
I will add photos as I receive them, but keep in mind, there may be a week to a month process time. Send as many as you want. Email them to me with "PJ Photo" in the subject line. My email address is at the bottom of this newsletter. Thank you.
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- August 19-22, 2026
- Helen, Georgia
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By popular demand, the PJ Reunion is going to become an annual event. The next reunion date 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 prefer to camp, there are camping sites in the area. If you want more specific and information, contact Larry Palmer at lepalmer46@yahoo.com or David Cogswell at dctkc60@att.net for more information.
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 yes, we will 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, so bring your family and enjoy the cool Georgia mountains. More information to follow.
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S.C.A.R. SWIM & FUNDRAISER
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- 42 Mile Swim
- April 22-26, 2026
- Arizona Lakes
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The SCAR Swim…in sum, takes place in four lakes, over four days and approximately 42 miles of open water swimming in a beautiful but sometimes harsh Arizona desert environment. The lakes include - Saguaro Lake 9.5 miles, Canyon Lake 9.1 miles, Apache Lake 17 miles, and Roosevelt Lake 6.4 miles.
Mission Overview - Five Pararescue Instructors assigned to the 68th Rescue Squadron / Guardian Angel Formal Training Unit in Tucson, AZ are taking on the swim challenge and leading this dedicated fundraising initiative. SCAR is one of the longest marathon swims and organized stage swims in the world. This event is for experienced swimmers and crew wanting to push their mental and physical boundaries. They will be completing in honor of their fallen teammates and their families.
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- May 1, 2026
- Albuquerque, NM
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Pararescue (PJ) and Combat Rescue Officers (CRO) graduation marks the completion of a rigorous, nearly three-year training pipeline and finishing school, where elite Airmen earn their Maroon Berets at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. Graduates are qualified in combat medicine, rescue, and specialized operations, joining a specialized, high-demand field dedicated to personnel recovery with the motto, "That Others May Live".
Pararescue Graduation Class, 26-01, is scheduled for May 1, 2026, at The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM.
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- ARA Symposium
- March 4-7, 2027
- San Antonio, Texas
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The Air Rescue Association plans and sponsors an annual Air Rescue Symposium that includes reunion activities, informative briefings, heroic rescue mission recaps, and an awards gala where our award winners are recognized. The 2026 ARA Symposium dates are March 4-7, 2027. Our host hotel is the Holiday Inn River Walk, San Antonito, TX. More to follow so stay turned for more information and updates.
The Air Rescue Association (ARA) has a multi-faceted mission that’s been in existence since 1976. The first is to honor past and present USAF Rescue professionals and capture their history for future generations. The ARA also sponsors multiple USAF-Level awards including the Knight Award, the Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, and the Rescue Squadron of the Year.
Another important mission for the ARA includes building its member base and actively recruiting any Airman or family member who serves/served in any capacity supporting USAF Rescue operations. ARA partners with the That Others May Live Foundation in helping with fundraising for its mission of scholarships for Rescue families, warfighter appreciation support, and immediate tragedy assistance.
Contact me at Jim@Morris.net about membership information.
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- Date: TBD
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Theater Near You
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The John Chapman Movie - 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. Lori Longfritz is Chapman’s sister and Dan 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.
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PARARESCUE FOUNDATION
- Resiliency & Other Events
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Celebrating a Hero - William H. Pitsenbarger - Ohio
- Pitsenbarger Park, Piqua, OH
- Miami Memorial Park, Covington, OH
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42 Mile SCAR Swim Series for PJF - Arizona
- Saguaro, Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt Lakes, AZ
- Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026, 4:30 AM to Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 9:00 PM
- Our Fundraising Goals - all proceeds will go directly to the Pararescue Foundation
- Raise $68,000+
- Elevate awareness of the Pararescue Foundation’s mission.
- Expand the Foundation's impact across our career field and Brotherhood.
- PJF RALLYUP PAGE
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MORE INFORMATION
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PJF Wellness retreat for USAF Guardian Angel Leaders - Geyserville, CA
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PJ Spouses Appreciation Day - Valdosta, GA
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PJF Wilderness Retreat - Presidential Mountain Range - North Conway, NH
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PJF “Got Your Six Horsemanship” Retreat - Adler, MT
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Peter Kraines Memorial Golf Tournament - Sanford, NC
- Carolina Trace Country Club
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Pararescue Foundation (PJF)
| NOTE: For transparency sake, we’ve just completed and filed its 2024 IRS 990. And, its publish the 2024 Impact Report. Both documents can be found at the bottom of PJF website page. | | PARARESCUE - Life Begins at the End of Our Comfort Zone | |
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.
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.
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AIR FORCE SPECIAL WARFARE
| | 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:
- AFSPECWAR utilizes a rigorous assessment and selection process to identify individuals with the necessary physical and mental attributes.
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BOB HOPE VILLAGE
- Not Just for Widows Anymore
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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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The Pararescue Brotherhood is a group of individuals without a formal hierarchy (no Kings). We are about the Brotherhood, not individualism. We do not have a hidden agenda, and we are not self-serving nor self-promoting. All Pararescue Airmen and Combat Rescue Officers are members by default. All AFSPECWAR personnel are welcome and technically, are also members by default. After all, we are all Brothers. Brothers with different color headgear and different shaped flashes working together to achieve a goal.
We don't charge dues and attending our annual reunions are free. Ne fees, surcharges, etc. Our reunions are held in Helen, Georgia. It is open to your entire family and your friends. Lodging and meals is on you. The resort that host our reunions is inexpensive, and you have other options to include camping in the area. We offer a free Pararescue newsletter with AFSPECWAR related news,
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This is the official newsletter of the Pararescue Brotherhood, and now includes news and information on AFSPECWAR. This newsletter is self funded, developed and published for the Brotherhood by a retired PJ. The PJ Newsletter 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. Our subscribers are mostly PJs and a lot of CCT. We also have many TACP, Spec Recon, sister service special operators, support personal, and maybe some future AFSPECWAR recruits, some LEGs, etc. Please, no posers.
If you have something you'd like to share with us in the Newsletter, pass something along, share a special interest story, connect with long-lost military Brothers, 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, 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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