Wing Commander takes rescue insight to local community

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ryan Liss
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
7/7/2011 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As a commander, it is important to reach out to the local community and provide them with information about the military and their roles and responsibilities. Here, Col. Robert Dunn, 920th Rescue Wing Commander, did just that at meeting with the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club during their June 28th monthly luncheon.

Throughout the luncheon, Colonel Dunn spent time highlighting the importance of the 920th, from discussing the rescue helicopters and tanker aircraft, to the types of training the pararescuemen receive to complete their mission. His discussion was highlighted with videos and graphics that painted a picture to all the attendees.

"We're high demand and low density here," said Colonel Dunn. "Our Airmen have seen more than their fair share of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Many have deployed multiple times."

The 920th RQW is the most deployed combat-search-and-rescue unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. With two geographically separated units atDavis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and Portland International Airport, Ore., the wing has over 1,500 Airmen, two helicopter squadrons, a fixed-wing squadron and three Guardian Angel Weapons Systems squadrons that consist of pararescuemen, combat rescue officers and SERE (survive, evade, resist and escape) specialists.

"It is amazing how much you do out there," said one club member. "I would be so afraid to do what you do, but these men just go out and risk their lives with no fear. Truly amazing."
The Rotary Club of Cocoa Beach is one of 34,000 clubs under the Rotary International organization. With over one million members committed to serving above self, these men and women spend time raising funds to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

For more information on the 920th RQW, please check out the 920th Rescue Wing website and become a fan of the 920th RQW on Facebook and Twitter.