Rodeo smackdown brings home bronze for Reserve pararescuemen

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  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's "ops normal" today for eight Air Force Reserve pararescuemen, or PJs, as they made their way home to the 920th Rescue Wing, after a week-long trek through the Arizona desert, October 4-10, 2010.

The men made up two teams of four and deployed from Florida to the southern Arizona desert to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to participate in a "Pararescue Rodeo." The competitions exercised team training in free-fall parachuting, professional shooting, combat navigation and paramedic skills - all skills which PJs must excel in to perform their jobs as rescue specialists.

Not only were the Florida pararescuemen representing the 920th Rescue Wing, but they represented the Air Force Reserve as well, as members of the only Reserve pararescue unit in the nation - and placed third out of seven teams.

"The PJ rodeo is a valuable training event that makes use of all the pararescueman's skills," said Lt. Col. Kurt Matthews, Commander of the 308th Rescue Squadron here.

"This was a tight competition and for us to come in third out of seven teams is a great accomplishment , especially working with the active duty and [Air National] Guard," he said. "This fosters great working relationships between the different components and rescue squadrons."

The two teams from the Florida-based PJ squadron served two purposes, one team competed, the other trained. Both did remarkably well in the desert conditions which also led to one pararescueman garnering the "Most Valuable Player or PJ" of the week, according to the 308th commander.

Senior Airman Brandon Forshaw, Reserve PJ, 920th Rescue Wing, was voted by representatives from all of the competing squadrons as the 'stand-out' performer.

"It's remarkable because he is still in training which makes the award even more outstanding said Lt. Col. Matthews. "We're extremely proud to have him on our team."

Due to the nature of the competitions, these types of events take months to coordinate according to the senior enlisted pararescueman at the 308th Rescue Squadron here, Chief Master Sgt. Doug Kestranek . Chief Kestranek was in charge of all things PJ Rodeo and according to the teams, his work paid off.

"The 308th Rescue Squadron is grateful to have a Chief like Kestranek," Said Lt. Col. Matthews. "He not only organized the event, but he served as a judge during the competition and facilitated the training as well."

The 920th RQW PJs didn't let the change in climate and terrain - from ocean to desert - stop them from performing at their best. "That others may live," is the motto they live by, and, train for.