PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- Technical Sgt. Jarrod is assigned to the 920th Operations Support Squadron, a unit responsible for maintaining the 920th Rescue Wing’s Aircrew Flight Equipment and Aircrew Continuation Training at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
The wing trains and equips thousands of Airmen who carry out its mission, to search for, locate and recover U.S. Armed Forces personnel during military operations. In addition, 920th Reserve Citizen Airmen work closely with the 45th Space Wing, NASA and commercial space agencies, providing safety and security of the Eastern Range during Space Coast launches.
“The military’s mission is to protect and preserve a way of life, a climate where people can be free to reach their full potential,” said Jarrod. “And in our own way, we assist with that mission.”
With over 25 deployments and mobilizations since 1990, the men and women that comprise the wing have more than 4,000 saves and counting. In order for the Airmen at the 920th to perform their tasked mission, it’s imperative they’re equipped with operational life-sustaining equipment, a responsibility that relies on TSgt. Jarrod.
Jarrod is tasked with the maintenance, testing, and repairs to an array of flight equipment such as helmets, oxygen masks, parachutes, and other essentials that make those aforementioned saves and missions possible. He also trains aircrew on the proper use of their equipment.
“I could give you a piece of equipment, but it won’t matter if you don’t know how to use it,” said Jarrod.
The 920th RQW has been mobilized for the Gulf War and operations including Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Allied Force, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. The rescue wing has also been a mainstay in humanitarian relief with a plethora of involvement including Hurricane’s Andrew, Floyd, Katrina, Rita, Michael and Harvey. Additionally, the wing is responsible for saving more than 200 people after multiple avalanches hit the Salang Pass, the main route between northern Afghanistan and Kabul province.