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The AIG 10/14/2018 "Once a PJ, Always a PJ" If you are getting this newsletter and are not a current
member, please go to pjassociation.com and join. |
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The First Graduating Class Under The new 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron |
Congratulations
Event Photos Class
18-03 October 12th, 2018
A wonderful Letter written by Mrs. Barb Kelly Shared with the Graduating students and their Families,
Journey My incredible journey began May, 1963, as I joined K.O. and the PJ family in Libya. It was a love story from the beginning. When I first arrived in Tripoli, all those years ago, Pappy and Rustina LaCasse painted for me the "big picture" of the role of a PJ wife - to help and
encourage the team, to love and support my PJ, and to take care of the family in his absence. Fast-forward to 1981-post retirement, K.O. and I, along with John and Sara Beaty, worked to build a database of PJ’s. We started looking for PJ’s - some who had “wandered off” after their enlistments ended, some that had retired, and all active duty
PJ’s. The goal was to re-energize or re-boot the Pararescue Association. The long term dream was to get the active duty PJ’s involved so the leadership of the Pararescue Association would pass to them for its future continuance. That dream has come true! What pride I feel at each reunion as I witness the old, the new, and the not-so-new PJ’s show their love for each other… my cup runneth over. To the Pararescue Association Board of Directors from a grateful heart - what an honor! I am still in shock from being selected as the first recipient of the Kelly/Vargas Service Award in San Antonio. Thank you for honoring me with this special award. I was so excited when President Bill Watson announced the new Kelly/Vargas Service Award and was feeling so proud that the Association did - and will
for years to come - recognize the long-time contributions of K.O. Kelly and Bill Vargas along with so many others who have helped to keep the dream alive. K.O. (Pres-11 yrs) and Bill (Pres-12 yrs) worked so hard from the inception of the PJ Association. Look at it today - 1414 strong! I will proudly continue my service - helping and encouraging the “team”, honoring my PJ, and taking care of the "family" in his absence. With gratitude and love, Barbara Kelly
For more than two years now, |
It is still an honor to represent this Association and attempt to fill the shoes of the First Enlisted Commandant of the Pararescue School (CMSGT William Vargas). I am extremely thankful for the support and recognition the 351st SWTS extends to the Pararescue Association. Special thanks to Lt. Colonel Jesse Fleener (Commander) and Senior Master Sgt. Michael Rubio (Commandant) for the support and welcome feeling they continue to extend to me and the PJ Association.
The Leadership this Organization demonstrates is precisely why the 351st SWTS is turning
out such incredible and powerful young Warfighter's. President, Pararescue Association
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Special Oakley Jolly Green Sunglasses with Green feet! We have a few left over from the Reunion, First
come... $99.00 plus $6.00 Shipping, see the website for details. PJ Inspired Sunglasses
are AVAILABLE in Limited Number. Features for PJ Inspired Oakley Sunglasses: - Jolly Greet Feet
Logo printed on temples.
- Plutonite® Lenses offer top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm
- Patented High Definition Optics® (HDO®) provides superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle
- Three-Point Fit holds lenses in precise
optical alignment while eliminating pressure points common with frames that hook the ears
- O-Matter™ stress-resistant frame material is both lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection
Thanks to the Dr's Galloway, L.D. and Kelly Jeffries,
you now have the ability to have your own Charlie Doll of your own! |
It's all set, the selection for 2020 Reunion / Rodeo Lake Tahoe / Reno, NV
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Many of our Brothers voiced their desires to personally possess a means to remember friends and teammates we have lost. You can
now order dog tags with their names with up to 5 names/tag. 2 tags with chains and silencers cost $6 and includes shipping. Tag-Z.com is the company we used for our Pararescue Memorial Wall. The site is easy to use and the prices are reasonable. Order yours now to wear proudly at our next reunion in Reno, NV in 2020
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Special thanks to Charlie and Charlene Hart
for
all their efforts and support. |
Get your Life Membership Today |
| Pararescue Association Membership Chairman Chuck and others are working hard to get your dues and information up-to-date. Any questions, Ask Chuck. Our Goal is to get everyone to a Life Membership.
Once a PJ, Always a
PJ!!! If you are ever in the Pinehurst area, stop by for a beer at SOCOM Suds Station | |
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| Pararescue Association Officers:- President - Bill Watson
- Vice Pres. - John Pighini
- Treasurer - Ryan Beckmann
- Recorder - Scott Gearen
Association Board
Member:- Rod Alne
- Joe Topel
- L.D. Jeffreis
- Steve West
Past Association Presidents:- Chuck Morrow
- Roy Taylor
- Randy Galloway
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A special thank you to all of
our Sponsors If you find that you need the services of any of them, please give them an opportunity to earn your Business Strengthening relationships among all USAF Pararescuemen – past, present, and future;
fostering camaraderie among those who have earned the title, PJ; and providing an extended community for all USAF Pararescuemen and their families. |
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