That Others May Live: Inside The World’s Most Daring Rescue Force

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“That Others May Live: Inside The World’s Most Daring Rescue Force” plunges readers into the harrowing and inspiring world of the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs). Co-authored by Senior Master Sergeant Jack Brehm and Peter Nelson, this book unveils the relentless training, life-or-death missions, and personal sacrifices of these elite rescue specialists. More than a military memoir, it’s a story of unwavering dedication to the PJ motto: “That Others May Live.” Explore the infamous “Superman School,” where aspiring PJs face brutal physical and mental challenges exceeding even SEAL training. Witness firsthand accounts of daring rescues from treacherous environments mountains, oceans, and behind enemy lines. Beyond the adrenaline, Brehm candidly reveals the emotional toll on PJs and their families, grappling with loss, constant deployments, and the precarious balance between service and personal life. A poignant thread throughout the narrative is Brehm’s profound gratitude for his wife, Peggy, the unsung hero who anchored his life amidst the chaos. Her resilience and support underscore the sacrifices made by military families. This updated edition offers a raw and authentic portrait of courage, duty, and the extraordinary individuals who risk everything to save others. Discover why “That Others May Live” resonates as a testament to human resilience and selflessness.

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THESE THINGS WE DO,
THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE.
–PJ MOTTO

They are the military’s most elite force, a highly trained group of men serving the Air Force and National Guard with a mandate to fly behind enemy lines during war and rescue downed pilots. They are pararescue jumpers, or PJs for short, the most radically fit, mentally tough men in the armed forces. During peacetime, PJs keep their skills sharp with daring civilian rescues, recovering victims from scorching deserts, treacherous mountaintops, or raging seas. Most people learned of the PJs in The Perfect Storm, with its riveting account of how a helicopter of PJs from a squadron on Long Island plunged into the Atlantic during a rescue.

Senior Master Sergeant Jack Brehm was the PJ supervisor that night and coordinated the dramatic rescue efforts. Life-and-death situations are all in a day’s work for the PJs, who are always on call, ready to put their own lives on the line so “that others may live.” In an age seemingly devoid of heroes, these men are the real deal, a close-knit unit bound together by bravery and guts, selflessness and sacrifice, and the intense desire to both serve their country and live life on the edge.

That Others May Live is the thrilling story of Jack Brehm and his love affair with two things: the PJ way of life, and his wife, Peggy, the mother of his five children. In 1977, twenty-year-old Jack, an aimless kid from Long Island, made a decision that would alter the course of his life–he decided to become a PJ. He entered “Superman School,” the indoctrination program where PJs are made. It is the toughest program in the military, more difficult than what the Navy SEALs or Army Special Ops go through. No one flunks out–it just gets harder and harder until most guys eliminate themselves. In other programs candidates might say, “They can beat me, but they can’t kill me.” In Superman School, the candidates say, “They can kill me, but they can’t eat me.”

Jack Brehm was transformed from a kid without a clue into a man with a purpose. He and nine other men graduated in the class of ’78-03–they had the right stuff. More than eighty others in their class didn’t. That Others May Live is a vivid, compelling account of Jack’s twenty years as a PJ. We see him and his fellow PJs climb mountains and battle storms to save lives, struggle with their emotions as PJ friends die, wait anxiously to hear if they are called to war in a place such as Kosovo or the Persian Gulf, and try to keep their families together despite the enormous pressure of the job. Jack is luckier than most PJs, for he has Peggy and his five kids. In the end, it becomes clear who the real hero is in Jack’s life: his rock-solid wife. Jack may wear the parachute, but Peggy wears the pants.

Dive into the heart-stopping world of the Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) with "That Others May Live: Inside The World's Most Daring Rescue Force" by Jack Brehm and Peter Nelson. This gripping narrative offers an unprecedented look into the lives of these elite servicemen, the unsung heroes who brave perilous conditions to save others. More than just a military memoir, this book is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering bonds forged in the face of unimaginable danger. Jack Brehm, a Senior Master Sergeant and PJ supervisor, recounts his twenty-year journey within this extraordinary brotherhood. From the brutal trials of "Superman School" a training program so demanding it makes even Navy SEAL and Army Special Ops training seem tame to harrowing real-world rescue missions, Brehm paints a vivid and visceral picture of what it takes to become and remain a PJ. Unlike other programs, where candidates focus on surviving, Superman School pushes them to their absolute limits, a psychological and physical gauntlet where self-elimination is far more common than graduation. The book isn't solely focused on the adrenaline-pumping action, although there's plenty of that. Brehm delves into the emotional toll this high-stakes profession takes on the PJs and their families. He unflinchingly explores the heartbreak of losing comrades, the constant anxiety of waiting for the call to duty, and the struggle to balance the demands of a dangerous career with the responsibilities of family life. The narrative provides fascinating insights into the specific skills and techniques PJs employ, from advanced medical care in extreme environments to sophisticated navigation and survival strategies. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for the rigorous training and unwavering commitment required to operate at the highest level of proficiency. The book highlights the PJs' unique dual role, operating both on the front lines of military conflicts and on the home front during domestic crises, emphasizing their versatility and unwavering dedication to saving lives, regardless of the circumstances. Beyond the battlefield and daring rescues, "That Others May Live" is also a love story. Brehm poignantly chronicles his relationship with his wife, Peggy, portraying her as the true backbone of his life. As the mother of five children, Peggy provided unwavering support and stability amidst the chaos and uncertainty inherent in Jacks profession. Brehm makes it abundantly clear that her strength and resilience were essential to his success and survival. She wasn't just a supportive spouse; she was his anchor, his confidante, and the unsung hero behind the hero. Her sacrifices and unwavering love serve as a powerful reminder of the families who also serve alongside their loved ones in the military. Published by Ebury Press, this New Edition paperback offers an engaging and accessible read. While touching on events like the Perfect Storm rescue, which brought the PJs to wider public attention, the book distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive and deeply personal account of the PJ experience. "That Others May Live" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, biographies of remarkable individuals, or simply stories of extraordinary courage and selflessness. It is a tribute to the men and women who dedicate their lives to saving others, and a reminder that true heroism often lies in the quiet sacrifices made far from the spotlight. This is a story of valor, love, and the indomitable human spirit, a testament to the PJ motto: "That Others May Live."
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Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

0091877911

ISBN-13

9780091877910

Language

Pages

304

Publisher

Year published

Weight

170

Edition

New Ed

SKU: G-9780091877910-3 Categories: , , ,
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