Final respects paid to pararescueman Staff Sergeant Carl Enis

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jennifer Pearson
  • 920 Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Loved ones, friends, 308th Rescue Squadron teammates and 920th Rescue Wing members paid their respects as Staff Sgt. Carl Enis was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 21, 2018. 

Enis, a pararescuemen, was providing combat rescue support for Inherent Resolve, when he, along with six other Airmen, was killed in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash in Anbar Province, Iraq, March 15, 2018.

Pararescuemen or PJs are part of the Guardian Angel triad of combat rescue officers and SERE or survival specialists who are expert swimmers, SCUBA divers, mountain climbers, parachutists, marksmen and trauma medics who rescue injured combatants on the battlefield. Guardian Angel Airmen in attendance were part of a time-honored tradition of pounding their pararescue flash from their beret into the lid of the casket.

“Staff Sgt. Enis was an outstanding citizen Airman and a phenomenal operator doing an incredible mission; he was also a great individual,” said Col. Kurt Matthews, 920th Rescue Wing commander. “You can be proud knowing Staff Sgt. Enis gave his last full measure performing the mission and serving our most noble Pararescue creed: ‘These things we do, that others may live.' "

"We honor his service and sacrifice and join with his family in mourning the immense void left behind by the loss of this great man - our rescue brother," said Matthews.

Within both his civilian and military circles, Enis is known for his passion for the outdoors and expert hunting, fishing and diving skills.

Enis was a Tallahassee, Florida, resident who served with the 920th Rescue Wing from 2010 as a Reserve Citizen Airmen. Among his decorations are the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster; the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.