- click on graphics above to register - | | Seating is Limited - Register Soon! | | |
If the Registration link fails to open, cut and paste the URL below to your browser:
| | - click on graphic above for information - | | PJ Killed in the Line of Duty | | |
HH-3E Crash - Low Level Mission / Fort Irwin Range in Southern California / 09/01/1988
HC-130 Military Freefall MT-1X Accident / Nellis AFB, Nevada / 09/27/1998
Heart Attack during PT / Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm / 09/07/1993
HH-60 Mid Air Collision / Nellis AFB Range Complex, Nevada / 09/03/1998
HH-60 Mid Air Collision / Nellis AFB Range Complex, Nevada / 09/03/1998
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Thank you Catharine Cleiman for hosting the gathering of the Pararescue Brotherhood to celebrate the 82nd Anniversary of Pararescue and supporting our reunion with your hospitality. Thank you Pararescue Foundation for sponsoring our Saturday night catered dinner.
Linked to the button below are photos from the 2025 gathering of the Pararescue Brotherhood for our annual reunion in Helen, Georgia. If you have photos and would like to share them, please email them to me at, Jim@Morris.net with 'PJ Newsletter' in the subject line.
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If the photo link fails to open, cut and paste the URL below to your browser:
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Due to popular demand by those in attendance and those who couldn't attend due to a previous commitment, the next reunion will be held next year, August 19-22, 2026, in Helen, GA. The host resort will be the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center. Helen, GA. You can start making your reservations today or anytime at 706.878.2271. Tell them you are attending the Pararescue Reunion when you make the reservation.
| | - click graphic for PJF resiliency webpage - | | |
PJF “Got Your Six Horsemanship” Retreat - Adler, Montana
- Upper Canyon Outreach
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Peter Kraines Memorial Golf Tournament - Whispering Pines, NC
- The Country Club of Whispering Pines
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PJF Resilient Warrior - Operator & Spouse Retreat - Gettysburg, PA
- Leadership & Freedom Center
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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.
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I was introduced to Buc-ee's by Doug Kestranek, a PJ Brother and his lovely wife, Lori, and I'm very grateful to them for it. Buc-cee's is not just a very large convenience store along the highway, it's a destination in itself. It's like a Super Walmart of gas stations, but with better dressed clientele. You can get almost anything at Buc-ee's, except firearms. But I did suggest firearms to their customer service in an email.
I plan my travels around Buc-ee's. To me, it's worth driving a hundred miles or so out of the way for a very tasty sausage on a stick or a three meat sandwich. Let's not forget about their very large assortment of jerky. I can't say enough about Buc-ee's. Buc-ee's is something everyone should experience for themselves.
I'm leaving for Daytona Beach on the 7th. My route will take me past two Buc-ees', coming and going. I can't wait; I can almost taste the sausage on a stick just thinking about it.
Pictured above is a very tasty sausage on a stick I recently consumed on my home from the PJ Mini Reunion in Georgia last month. The sequence of events in pictures are as follows: the first picture is just prior to a taste of heaven, the second picture is when I was halfway through, and lastly, the third picture is of it when I'm almost finished. All good things must come to an end. Altogether, it was a tasty experience.
I use photos to chronical all my stops at Buc-ee's - that's not strange for someone who had as many head injuries as I had, is it?
If you buy two sausages on a stick, one to take with you for later, you need a lot of self-control. I couldn't get out of Buc-ee's parking lot before I started to consume it. Like I said, you need a lot of self-control.
Lastly, I need to mention that Buc-ee's have very clean restrooms. Apparently this is important to women. I'm just saying'.
If you have never been to Buc-ee's, below are some links that will help introduce you to it.
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This is the new Memorial for Medal of Honor recipient, William H "Bill" Pitsenbarger. This Memorial is the centerpiece at Miami Memorial Park, in Covington, OH, where Bill Pitsenbarger and several other PJs were laid to rest. The money was raised, the extremely large piece of granite was purchased and the etching and engraving is complete. The sidewalks and foundation are in and benches were installed, and the Memorial is in place.
The dedication date is set for October 15, 2025, 10:30 AM, Miami Memorial Park, 7875 N. Crescent Rd, State Rt 48 (USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway) Covington, OH. The keynote speaker is CMSgt David Milsten, USAF retired.
| | Pictured above is our Brother, Barry Wackler and wife Becky, and their grandson, Carson. They are the first visitors to the new Pitsenbarger Memorial in Covington, Ohio. | | |
A big thank you to John & Lora Aleo, Miami Memorial Park for refurbishing the brass plaques for our PJ Brother, Bill Pitsenbarger's gravesite and making the memorial possible. And thank you to Ann Francis for keeping us updated on the Memorial's progress.
Another big thank you to Ron Lennis and the Pararescue Foundation for their involvement, support of this endeavor and for sponsoring the reception after the dedication.
Thank you to our Brother, Barry Wackler for his work and support taking care of the Pararescue Memorial Parkway marker flags and keeping an eye on our PJ Brothers' gravesites.
Thank you Doug McGill, Larry Palmer, Tom Stone and Mike Sherman for your help with the Memorial's wordsmithing.
| | Invitation & Reception Headcount | | |
I need a head count of those who plan to attend the Memorial dedication. This is for planning purposes and for the reception the Pararescue Foundation is sponsoring. Please email or text me your name if you plan to attend the William H. Pitsenbarger Memorial dedication ceremony. For questions and for a headcount, text me with your name to 920.284.4879 or email me at Jim@Morris.net.
Barry Wackler and I are working with a hotel for a group rate. The hotel is, Comfort Suites, 1800 Towne Park Dr., Troy, OH 45373. Phone 937-552-2622. The hotel is a 13 minutes drive from Covington, OH, where Bill Pitsenbarger was laid to rest and where the Memorial dedication will take place. The hotel is generally where I stay when in the area.
| | PJ's Laid to Rest on PJ Parkway | | There are four USAF Pararescue Airman laid to rest in this cemetery, and one who plans to do the same. This cemetery is located in Covington, OH, along the USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway. | | |
Laid to rest in this cemetery:
- William H. Pitsenbarger
- James R. Norton
- William 'Tom" Large
- William Eby
- Chipper Williams has burial plot in this cemetery.
| | | On February 15, 2005, Senate Bill 156 designated Ohio State Route 48 as USAF Pararescue Memorial Parkway. The Parkway honors the memory of all Pararescuemen who perished in the performance of their duties. It is also a tribute to the Air Rescue men and women who died so "That Others May Live." They made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save lives and provide aid to the injured, whether on training, civilian or combat missions. | | |
Our Brother, Barry Wackler had Ohio DOT replace the outdated weather beaten PJ Parkway highway sign with a new one. Thank you, Brother Barry.
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ARA Symposium - October 2025 | | |
The 2025 Air Rescue Association Symposium this year is October 9 to 12, 2025, in Ft Walton Beach, FL. Mark your calendar. The host hotel is The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, formally the Ramada Inn on Okaloosa Island, a.k.a., PJ Central from back in the day. Below are links to Registration, Events and Hotel.
FYI: Price includes the Ice Breaker, Hospitality Room access, yes, we will have a hospitality room, and all events, except the Gala. Hotel pricing through the link below includes parking and resort fee. Point of contact is Jim Morris, jim@morris.net.
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I am collecting photos of all PJs (those with us and those who have passed) in uniform for an online album and for 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 me your photos. Team photo are welcome too. I'll cleanup and optimize the photos as needed. I need names of those in the photos. Thank you.
I will add photos as I receive them. There may be a week or two 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.
| | A True Story of a Rescued Puppy | | |
Toffee's Great Rescue is an uplifting tale of a blind and deaf puppy. Perfect for young readers, this heartwarming adventure celebrates resilience and the boundless spirit of community support.
A true story written by our PJ Brother, Rich Breitbach.
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SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER | - scan or click QR code - | It's Free To Anyone & Everyone | This newsletter is available to anyone and everyone, not just PJs. No dues, no membership, no nothing. You can sign up by scanning the QR code or clicking on the QR code. We publish monthly, publish Special Editions when warranted and obituaries when a Brother flies his final jump mission. If you would like to contribute content to the newsletter, please see the last section of the newsletter at the bottom of the page. Thank you. | |
The September 11, 2001 attacks, also known as 9/11, were four coordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks by al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001. Nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing the first two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the third into the Pentagon (headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense) in Arlington County, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in a rural Pennsylvania field (present-day, Flight 93 National Memorial) during a passenger revolt.
In response to the attacks, the United States waged the global war on terror over multiple decades to eliminate hostile groups deemed terrorist organizations, as well as the governments purported to support them.
The attack eventually gave birth to a new era in warfighting. One of the Air Force's actions was establishing USAF Special Warfare. Our sister services adapted training and organizational structures to counter a new type of warfare.
The link below includes our 16 Brothers who were killed in action fighting the Global War on Terrorism.
| | 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:
- AFSPECWAR utilizes a rigorous assessment and selection process to identify individuals with the necessary physical and mental attributes.
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AF Special Warfare Information:
AF Special Warfare Video:
| | It's Not Just for Widows Anymore | |
Bob Hope Village, a.k.a., Air Force Enlisted Village is a 501c3 nonprofit retirement community for retired married enlisted Airmen and widows of Airman.
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 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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A Tapestry of Diversity
Pararescuemen, Pararescue Airmen or PJs if you will, 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 generally work in small teams or attached to SEAL teams, Army Ranger units and Army Special Forces A teams. PJs 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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This is the official newsletter of the Pararescue Brotherhood. It is self funded and developed 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.
If you have something you'd like to share with others in the Newsletter, pass something onto 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 you market it.
| | HooYah! Airborne! Rescue! | | Disclaimer: The visual appearance or written content in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement. | | | | |
