/ Published June 29, 2007
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE - Air Force Reserve pararescueman, Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Curl, prior to his retirement, made his final jump as a PJ with the 920th Rescue Wing June 21. The senior pararescueman has been the "poster child" for the rescue wing as his image was used on various national Air Force Reserve advertisements for pararescue. Chief Curl began his career on active duty here as a young Airman weather observer then cross-trained into pararescue in the Air Force Reserve. His 28-year career has brought him back to Patrick for the last 15 years. The Chief said he plans to seek employment in the local area upon retirement.
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE - Air Force Reservist and pararescueman, Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Curl, made his final jump as a PJ with the 920th Rescue Wing June 21. Fellow 308th Rescue Squadron PJs leapt with him and then sprayed the 52-year-old with champagne as he stepped ashore after the 3,500-foot jump from an HC-130P/N into the Banana River. Out of his 28 years in the service, he spent the last 15 here. He said one of his most gratifying missions was when he and his unit rescued 1,043 people from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He said his helicopter rescued 199 people in two days.