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This newsletter has many AFSPECWAR Airman subscribers. Even though our headgear are different colors, and our flashes are different shapes, we are all Brothers in Arms who work together to achieve a goal. This newsletter includes news and information for AFSPECWAR Airman: Pararescue, Combat Control, Tactical Air Control Party, and Special Reconnaissance. And AFSPECWAR SERE and EOD personal too.
If you have something or come across an article you'd like to see in the newsletter, please send it to me. Everything is subject to review for appropriateness. My contact info is at the bottom of this newsletter. Thank you, and Enjoy!
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ASTRONAUT RESCUE
- PJs at the Ready
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Pararescue specialists from the 304th Rescue Squadron, located in Portland, Oregon, and supporting the 45th Operations Group’s Detachment 3, based out of Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, prepare equipment during an April astronaut rescue exercise with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and SpaceX off of Florida’s eastern coast. The pararescue specialists, also known as “Guardian Angels,” jumped from military aircraft and simulated a rescue operation to demonstrate their ability to safely remove crew from the SpaceX Crew Dragon in the unlikely event of an emergency landing. The pararescue specialists are fully qualified paramedics able to perform field surgery, if necessary.
U.S. Air Force “Guardian Angel” pararescue forces were pre-positioned in key locations, alert and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, had the astronauts needed to abort the launch and splash down within 200 nautical miles of the launch site. An HC-130 Combat King II aircraft along with two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters were set to deploy from Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, if needed.
These aircraft will carry a team of up to nine pararescue specialists along with rescue equipment and medical supplies. The pararescue specialists would jump from the aircraft with inflatable boats and an inflatable ring called a stabilization collar to steady the capsule and other equipment in the water.
For contingency landings outside of the 200 nautical mile-radius, a C-17 Globesmater III aircraft would have deployed with the same type of Pararescue team and equipment to execute rescue operation from either Charleston AFB, South Carolina, or Hickam AFB, Hawaii, depending on the splashdown location.
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KENYA PJs
- Training for CSAR
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With the assistance of U.S. Special Operations Command, the Kenya Air Force Rapid Response Unit recently graduated its first class of combat search and rescue trained operators, building Kenya’s ability to conduct personnel recovery missions in high-threat environments.
The training pipeline, part of a joint U.S.-Kenyan initiative to enhance combat-ready forces, enables operators to execute complex combat search and rescue missions. The program focuses on combat medicine, personnel recovery, technical rescue and mass casualty response—skills modeled after the U.S. Air Force pararescue mission and capabilities.
“These are the elite of the Kenya Air Force and they now stand ready to go in first and extract aircrew” said a U.S. Air Force pararescueman instructor. “This new pipeline is designed with high standards and pushes both of our teams to develop and train to the most realistic and intensive situations available.”
The RRU will serve as Kenya’s primary special operations combat search and rescue force, providing medical and rescue support in austere and hostile environments. The unit will integrate with joint forces, offering rapid personnel recovery capabilities both independently and as a direct attachment to military operations. Both U.S. and Kenyan officials see the program as a critical step in strengthening their national security framework.
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MICHAEL SCIORTION
- Combat Control to PA
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A month after the mayhem of Sept. 11, 2001, Michael Sciortino, an Air Force veteran who is now a physician assistant at UCHealth, found himself in a battle in Afghanistan that is chronicled in books and movies.
Sciortino has the distinction of being the first U.S. airman to receive the Purple Heart in Afghanistan for injuries sustained when a 2,000-pound bomb dropped 40 feet away from him and launched him 40 feet in the air.
“I basically have a badge that says I got lucky,’’ said Sciortino, who works alongside Dr. Jordan Schaeffer, an orthopedic surgeon who does total knee and hip replacements at UCHealth Orthopedic Center – Grandview.
Sciortino comes from a long line of family members who have served. As Veterans Day approaches, he thinks of all the service members who have valiantly served their country.
“It is just reflecting back,’’ he said. “I have always been in awe of all the people before me. You hear their stories, and you just want to be part of that group of people who went above and beyond.’’
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TACP AND EOD
- Receiving Drones
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The US Air Force has awarded two initial multi-million-dollar contracts to Skydio to increase the fielding of small drones across Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units.
Under the agreements, Skydio X10D systems will be provided to Air Combat Command units, where TACP airmen will use them for battlefield awareness, reconnaissance, and communications support.
These teams typically operate alongside ground forces, identifying targets and coordinating air support.
The drones are also being adopted by EOD units for use both during routine base operations and on deployed missions.
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BLUE PHOENIX 25
- CSAR Exercise
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Airmen assigned to U.S. Air Forces Central recently completed Blue Phoenix, a combat search and rescue exercise, designed to sharpen the skills needed to rescue downed or isolated personnel in combat operations.
Leading the effort during Blue Phoenix were U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen, an elite Special Warfare career field that specializes in personnel recovery and emergency medical treatment in both combat and humanitarian operations.
"We conduct exercises like Blue Phoenix to put all of our skills to the ultimate test so that the person’s worst day is not their last day,” said the 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron commander.
During the exercise, U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen integrated aircraft, rescue teams, and command centers to rehearse critical combat functions such as day and night rescues, medical care, extractions, and air defense in contested environments. This training enhances their preparedness for real-world combat operations, ensuring they remain proficient in tactics, techniques, and procedures vital to bringing teammates across U.S. Central Command home safely.
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AFSPECWAR PIPELINE
- Revamping Training
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Beginning in November, the Air Force added a 16-week tactical field course to the training pipeline of Airmen seeking to join the pararescue, combat control, Tactical Air Control Party, or special reconnaissance career fields. The new training, dubbed the “Zulu Course” will teach the basics of how to shoot, move, and communicate as a team, said Col. Rodger Jennrich, deputy commander of the special warfare training wing at Air Education and Training Command, which oversees initial skills training for special warfare career fields.
Currently, Air Force special warfare trainees get basic tactical training - a core skill of the special operations units most will eventually be assigned to - after they reach the final qualification schools at the end of their training pipelines.
“Of the career fields, there were 100 tasks that were similar,” Jennrich said. “What we’ve done is we’ve pulled all those tasks up front so they’re trained together at one location as a team. It’s three blocks of training that builds on the foundation of basic skills of shoot, move, communicate, casualty care, weapons, advanced insertion/extraction skills, individual skills, and small team operations.”
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SPECIAL OPERATIONS
- Southern Caribbean
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Air Force Special Operations Command recently wrapped up Emerald Warrior 25.2, a large-scale military exercise meant to test the Air Force’s ability to coordinate conventional and special operations forces in contested areas. The exercise mostly took place in Arizona and California.
While airmen were active in the American Southwest, another part of the Emerald Warrior 25.2 exercise was happening, this time far away in the southern Caribbean. Over the last week of August, a mix of airmen, including combat controllers, special reconnaissance troops, and pararescuemen, practiced seizing an airfield, using it as the base of operations for widespread search and rescue operations and carrying out island-hopping reconnaissance and raiding missions. The drills had been planned in advance, but the showcase of how quickly aerial commandos could deploy took place at the same time that the U.S. military was moving a large naval force into the southern Caribbean.
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WATERWORK
- 41 RQS and 38 RQS
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Aircrew assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron and pararescuemen from the 38th Rescue Squadron conducted water rescue training in the Gulf of America.
Utilizing the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, the two squadrons practiced integrated water rescue techniques, sharpening the readiness and lethality of the Air Force’s combat search and rescue mission set.
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OBITUARY
- Donald Ray Lang
| | Donald Ray Lang, Sr., 74, of Belleville, IL, born December 27, 1950, in St. Louis, MO, died Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Don was a Staff Sergeant in United States Air Force and a Pararescueman. Don graduated Pararescue School with class 71-3. | | |
INTERNMENT
- CMSgt Mike McManus
| | CMSgt (Ret.) Mike McManus was interned at Arlington Cemetery on November 20, 2025. He was a 1960s era Vietnam veteran. Mike was also a visionary. He put together the New York and Alaska PJ rescue teams from the ground up. He was instrumental in developing our freefall program and many other programs we use today. | | |
DECEMBER'S FALLEN
- Remember our Brothers
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HH-53 / Boxer 22 SAR mission / Lao / 12/05/1969
HH-3 / Killed after hoist sheared (Battle Damage) / Lao / 12/25/1968
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SSgt DOUGLAS L. ECCLESTON - Killed in Line of Duty
RAMZ Accident / Atlantic Ocean / 12/07/2001
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Sgt JOSEPH E. NOVAK - Killed in Line of Duty
SCUBA Accident - Ice Dive / Alaska / 12/04/1977
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SSgt ROBERT M. O'DELL - Killed in Line of Duty
HC-130 / Military Freefall Accident / Florida / 12/08/1985
| This information was compiled by SMSgt (Ret.) Bob LaPointe: https://www.pjhistory.org/ | |
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CHAPLAIN TOM AZAR
- by Chaplain Tom
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Every family enjoys Christmas together. While serving on active duty, many of us missed their special religious and family traditions. As retired veterans we appreciate them more now because we have been absent over the years. However, the ones spent apart still have a special place in our heart. During Desert Storm, during sand and sea, on full alert, several airmen were able to create the most unusual Christmas tree, plus find a guitar and rally the troops to sing Christmas songs.
The CC asked my team for an ecumenical service. A few volunteers sang carols, read the Nativity Scriptures, which was followed by a message and communion. We had no juice or bread, so we creatively used the raisins and crackers in our MREs in the blistering afternoon heat. It represented a very special Lord’s Supper. We were close to Bethlehem and Savior’s world.
You probably had similar experiences. Spending it with your deployed brothers and sisters made it feel like a family event. Thousands of miles from home, the inner meaning of the holidays surfaced and gave us a deeper, more genuine experience. Our fellowship, camaraderie and common purpose were the unique ‘gifts’ we shared, far from shopping malls and elegant dining.
| 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, New York, his home with his wife Mary. | |
CELEBRATING A HERO
- April 10-11, 2026
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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, treat their injuries, hide and camouflage them 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 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.
To date, Miami Memorial Park (where Bill Pitsenbarger was laid to rest), The Pararescue Foundation, The Pararescue Brotherhood, Piqua VFW, MSgt (Ret.) Amy Cost; Miami Valley Veterans Museum, Barry Wackler; PJ Brotherhood Ambassador to the area are onboard to assist in making this a very successful and memorable event.
We need assistance and involvement from the Commanders, CROs and Chiefs who read this for what I'm calling, OPERATION PIQUA. We're looking for a flyover and PJs to jump into Pitsenbarger Sports Complex for this event. For logistic purposes, Wright-Patterson AFB is just south of Piqua. Any ideas? Any input? Please advise with your thoughts. And since John's passing, has someone filled his shoes as our PJ bagpiper? Please advise. I can be contacted through email at Jim@Morris.net. Thank you.
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PARARESCUE REUNION
- August 19-22, 2026
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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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MOVIE - ALONE AT DAWN
- Date: TBD
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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. 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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BOB LaPOINTE
- PJ Historian
| | ATTENTION GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM CRO’s & PJ’S: | | |
The present Pararescue historian is myself, SMSgt (Ret.) Bob LaPointe. I have been collecting material since my retirement in 1995. I managed to document our history from the 1940’s through 2000 with significant success. We have the largest Vietnam War SAR collection outside of the Air Force Historical Research Agency. Hundreds of mission reports, unit histories, and a VN SAR database of over 3000 SARs identifying who the PJs were, who they saved, and several other details on each of these missions. However, from the year 2000 until today, the collection is spotty with significant gaps about the war you bravely fought.
Most of the GWOT data came from news articles. What is needed, is a CRO or PJ or a team of a few teammates, to step up and become a PJA historian(s) for this era of Combat Rescue Officer and Pararescue History. I am 75 now and have committed to continue until at least 2027. I am willing to explain how I accomplished what we have in the Pararescue Digital Historical Archive (PJADHA).
What we are looking for is someone intensely motivated to see that their era of CRO/PJ history documented, saved in the PJADHA, and published on our website. All you need is a computer to begin your collection, time to work on the project, and some understanding of who did what during the GWOT. If you also have some knowledge of website management that would be very useful. If you are interested, email me, Bob at rlapointe@gci.net
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WHO is SSGT BERRY?
- by Bob LaPointe
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Who is SSgt Robert L. Berry? SSgt Berry (PJ Class 66-1) was born 3 December 1938; died 23 July 1966. He is the recipient of the Silver Star and several other decorations for combat rescues in Laos and North Vietnam in 1966.
Robert Berry was a Pararescue hero who died in 1966 as a result of catching malaria in Laos during the Vietnam War. His name is NOT on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC. It should have been added but was somehow omitted. One of the 2025 DOD criteria for adding names to the VVMW states, “From a diagnosed illness, while in a defined combat zone, provided that death occurred within 120 days from departing the defined combat zone and that the death occurred within 120 days of the diagnosis.” Sergeant Berry meets that criteria. There are many names on the VVMW that died of malaria.
Why was his name not submitted? We don’t know; but can speculate. In 1966 the U.S. government agreed that Laos was neutral in the Vietnam War, a status recognized by the 1962 Declaration on the Neutrality of Laos. The US, while violating this neutrality in various ways, still sought to maintain a degree of deniability.
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PJ VETERANS
- Photo Collection
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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.
| | Resiliency & Other Events | | |
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 its 2024 IRS 990. And, its publish the 2024 Impact Report. Both documents can be found at the bottom of PJF website page. | | |
USAF PARARESCUE
- Tapestry of Diversity
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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.
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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
- A Home for Heroes
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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, which also includes news and information about AFSPECWAR personnel. It 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. We have about 3000 subscribers; mostly PJs and a lot of CCT. We also have many TACPs, sister service special operators, a lot of support personal, maybe some future AFSPECWAR recruits, some LEGs, etc. I hope we don't have any posers subscribers.
If you have something you'd like to share with the AFSPECWAR 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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