Passing of Dan Bender

Published: Tue, 10/11/22

YOUR PJ / CRO ASSOCIATION

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Dan Bender

To All,

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Pararescueman Dan Bender.

From Jenny Bender

Daniel Lee Bender

Born 3/15/1943 Yakima, WA

Left us 8/16/2022 Las Vegas, NV

PJ 1964-1967 Viet Nam, Gemini Rescue

1968-1993 Sergeant Washington State Patrol

1993-2018 Event Décor Business, Las Vegas, Certified Balloon Artist

Dan’s proudest time in his life was a Pararescueman. He loved the skills learned, the execution of those special skills and the lives saved. He loved the camaraderie of those select few. He is pictured with his best friend Bob Wheeler in Viet Nam in 1968 as well as 50 years later at a Veteran’s Day event in Reno Nevada.

was also proud of his very successful Event Décor business for 25 years in Las Vegas. A CBA was a very specialized form of large scale sculpture & décor. He was known around the country for his 8ft tall, full sculpture football players.

He is a great loss to his wife, Jenny, of 34 years, as well as family and many colleagues.

Dan will be interred at the beautiful Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Park in Boulder City, Nevada on October 27^th at 1:20pm.

Some of us did not know Dan or just met him in passing with a hand shake. Those that worked with and knew him hold him in high regard as a warrior PJ, who now joins the squadron of PJ Rescue Angels who have made their final jump.

When one of our PJ brothers passes he takes a piece of our hearts with him. It would be immensely appreciated if those who have stories would write or call Jenny with your remembrances. Jenny Bender 756 Rocky Nook Street, Henderson, NV 89011 retiredjennyb@gmail.com 702-418-9909

Respectfully,

Steve West

Vice President,

Pararescue Association

PJ Reunion / Rodeo Dates

September 3-10, 2023

Galt House Hotel, Louisville KY

https://galthouse.com

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark/louisville-kentucky/galt-house-hotel-a-trademark-collection-hotel/rooms-rates?&checkInDate=09/06/2023&checkOutDate=09/10/2023&groupCode=PRR2023

Please note that your reservations need to be confirmed no later than August 3, 2023 and your guests can use the below booking link to make their reservations. They can also call 800-843-4258 and reference group code PRR2023.

The PJ Rodeo

The PJ Rodeo will be held September 3rd – 9th, 2023.

Our event and activity host for the 2023 PJ Rodeo will be the 123rd RQS, with the 123Rd ANG Airlift Wing.

Competing this year will be the first team with "Callie" the only Rescue Military dog in the service. Chances are, Pits, the newest addition may have his 5 level by September and may be jumping and doing demo work!!!

2023 PJ Rodeo
Awards Speaker

SEAC; Ramón "CZ" Colón-López is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the United States Armed Forces, and the principal military advisor to the Chairman on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel.

"CZ" wanted to make his last official speaking engagement to be for the Pararescue Association and the PJ Reunion. He will be retiring immediately following the 2023 Reunion.

SEAC Colón-López enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1990. He has held assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and Air Forces Central Command. He has deployed numerous times in support of operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and to several other classified locations. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Africa Command.

2023 PJ Reunion
Key Note Speaker

Enrique "Ric" Prado, a paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and special/clandestine operations specialist, with a focus on international training operations and programs. Mr. Prado is a twenty-four year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency where he served as an Operations Officer in six overseas posts. He was Deputy Chief of Station and "Plank Owner" of the original Bin Ladin Task Force/Issues Station under Senior Analyst, Michael Scheuer, as well as Chief of Station in a hostile Muslim country. He also served as Chief of Operations in the CIA's Counterterrorist Center (CTC) during the September 11th attacks, where Mr. Prado helped coordinate CIA/CTC's special operations (SPECOPS) activities with the National Security Council and FBI, as well as with elite U.S. military representatives from Delta Force and SEAL-Team Six, then detailed to CTC/CIA. He retired as Senior Intel Service-2 (SIS-2, Major General equivalent at CIA). Ric is now also a bestselling author on top-ten of NY Times Bestseller List.

Mr. Prado spent his first ten years at CIA as a paramilitary officer in Special Operations Group/Special Activities Division (SOG/SAD, Ground Branch) which is CIA's "special operations force." His service included 36 months in Central America jungles as the first CIA officer living in the anti-Sandinista "Contra" camps. Subsequently running counter-terrorism/insurgency operations in Peru and in the Philippines. Other key positions included head of the CIA's Korean Operations and Chief of CIA Liaison in Seoul, ROK. He is fluent in his native Spanish and once held a 2+ level in Japanese.

His military training and qualifications include Airborne, SCUBA, Advance Combat Medical Rescue, S.E.R.E., Mountain Climbing, and Jungle Survival under the auspices of the US Air Force elite Pararescue Teams (1971-1976). CIA training included: Ops/Case Officer certification training (The Farm), Counterterrorist Operations, Advanced Tradecraft Course, Free-Fall parachuting, Draeger close-circuit (Combat Diver's 1984 and SEALS 2003), Korean Ops, and numerous CT driving and weapons-related courses. Mr. Prado is also a graduate of the elite Henk Iverson's Lone Operator course (2018).

Mr. Prado is now co-owner of Camp X, Special Operations Lone Operator Training Group and continues his service training and supporting the "SPECOPS" Community as Subject Matter Expert (SME ) at the SWCS' ASOT (Advanced Special Operations and Techniques) and ASOT Managers Course, Dragon Warrior, Emerald Warrior, among others.Sample Article Headline

Charlie getting some well needed rehab, R and R

Charlie getting in some Night Jumps with the 306th RQS

Charlie on the Job supervising 5 TOE Upgrade, Hooyah,,, The 306th has had Charlie out and about, doing and seeing more than he has in years, for the next team, set him free, locking Charlie in a dark room and never sharing him is a disservice...

Special thanks to Brian Hayes for his continued support of the Pararescue Association and his commitment to the PJ/CRO Ring.

Tucson Photos 2021

Past Reunions

THESE THINGS WE DO... THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE...

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