PARARESCUE JUMPMEN

In Chapter 1 of Steal the Reaper, U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue (PJs) are sent into harm’s way to rescue a downed F-15 pilot, setting the stage for the mission that introduces Captain Ava Tan and her fiancé, Captain Mark Jordan. Trained to recover and provide lifesaving medical care to personnel in some of the world's most dangerous environments, PJs live by a simple but powerful motto: “These Things We Do, That Others May Live.”

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I gained an appreciation for these remarkable Airmen while stationed at NAS Keflavik, Iceland. I was once nominated for Airman of the Year, only to lose out to a PJ—which, admittedly, is hard to argue with when the competition is someone who had literally helped save Icelandic fishermen stranded at sea on multiple occasions. I figured if I couldn't beat a PJ, I might as well put them in a book.

 

Their courage, skill, and willingness to risk their lives for others made Pararescue a natural fit for the opening of The Reaper Series. Here’s a closer look at the PJs featured in that opening chapter.

https://www.airforce.com/careers/special-warfare-and-combat-support/special-warfare/pararescue