Held at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa, in the City of Lights, Las Vegas, Nevada, our host
for this event was the 58th Rescue Squadron, located at Nellis AFB Nevada.
The Pararescue Association 2025 PJ Rodeo was held in the beautiful and exciting City of Lights, Las Vegas, Nevada with entertainment venues for all interests.
The 2025 Pararescue ‘PJ’ Association Reunion was held at the renowned South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, an upscale event destination location.
AFB, Nevada, is one of five squadrons of the 563rd Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The 58th Rescue Squadron, at Operating Site Alpha, Nellis
In 1952, the Air Rescue Service, expanded its existing Squadrons to Groups, and the 7th ARS became the the 7th Air Rescue Group with responsibilities stretching across…… the mid-Atlantic to North Africa and the Middle East with responsibilities stretching across the mid-Atlantic to North Africa and the Middle East. The 58th ARS was activated at Wheelus AB, Libya, assuming the mission and resources of the 6th ARS. Flying search and rescue in the Middle East, Africa, Southern Europe, the 58th stood downrange for crewed space missions, overwater escort, and humanitarian aid for natural disasters.
Wheelus AB and the 58th were deactivated in 1969, after a coup led by Muammar Gaddafi replacing the Kingdom of Libya with the Libyan Arab Republic. The 58th ARS was re-activated at Nellis AFB in 2002 as a ‘Guardian Angel’ squadron.
Sponsorship for the PJ Rodeo provides support to the Guardian Angel and Special Warfare community serving in harms way across the globe, and aids with support for Heritage Projects and Events for our Special Warfare Airmen.
Sponsors choose from an array of sponsorship options for PJ Rodeo and PJ Association (PJA) Reunion events, including the prestigious Heritage Banquet and the PJ Rodeo Warrior events to the ever popular Medallion events.
The Australian Company, Public Safety Training Response Group (PSTRG), is a multi-year renewing Premier Heritage Banquet Sponsor.
The PSTRG develops public safety practices for individuals, organizations and government, and partners in sustainable solutions to advance and preserve strategic goals and expectations.
The PJ Warrior Sponsorship is an Esprit de’ Corps multi-event social sponsorship opportunity honoring rescue and special operations competitors,
with a focus on bringing competitors and sponsors together in a shared arena.
Master of Ceremonies,Chief Master Sergeant Luis Garcia is the Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, 58th Rescue Squadron, Rescue Group, Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
He trains, supervises and manages the employment of 67 Pararescuemen and Combat Rescue Officers in order to integrate and synchronize combat search and rescue and personal recovery expertise across full spectrum combat operations for Air Combat Commands and Joint Forces areas of responsibility as the sole CSAR capable force. In addition, he maintains an operational readiness status as a fully qualified Pararescueman.
He has a Senior Enlisted Aircrew rating in the HH-60 and C-130 aircraft and is a Static Line and Military Free Fall Jump Master, Dive Supervisor, AETC Master Instructor and Flight Evaluator with 9 deployments in support of OIF, OEF, OIR, OFS and POTUS/SECDEF directed operations.
EDUCATION:
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. August – December 2000, Student, BMT /Pararescue Indoctrination Course, Lackland AFB, Texas
2. January 2001 – November 2002, Student, Pararescue Pipeline, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
3. December 2002 – August 2004, Pararescue Apprentice, 58 RQS, Nellis AFB, NV
4. September 2004 – May 2007, Pararescue Journeyman, 31 RQS, Kadena AB,, Japan
5. June 2007 – April 2008, Special Tactics Team Member, 24 STS, Pope, NC
6. May 2008 – August 2011, Instructor Pararescueman and Team Leader, 58 RQS, Nellis AFB, NV
7. September 2011 – September 2015, Pararescue/Combat Rescue Officer Development / Indoctrination Instructor, Lackland AFB, Texas
8. September 2015 – December 2016, Evaluator and Pararescue Flight Chief, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
9. January 2017 – September 2017, Superintendent, Operations, 48 RQS, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
10. September 2017 – August 2019, Superintendent, Operations, Kadena AB, Japan
11. September 2019 – September 2021, Squadron Superintendent, 31st RQS, Kadena AB, Japan
12. September 2021- June 2022, Superintendent, Operations, 351st SWTS, Kirtland AFB, NM
13. June 2022 to Present, Senior Enlisted Leader, 58 RQS, Nellis AFB, NV
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION:
Maj. Jeffrey S. Edson is the Director of Operations, 58th Rescue Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev. He is responsible for directing training and ensuring combat mission readiness for the unit’s three Pararescue teams for world-wide deployment of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Personnel Recovery, support to launch and re-entry of NASA’s manned capsule missions, state-side disaster relief, and Civilian Search and Rescue in support of local authorities.
In 2010, Maj. Edson commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy and has served for fourteen years as a Combat Rescue Officer. He has notably served at the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and held a joint duty assignment at Special Operations Command Central. He has deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom and other contingency operations.
Prior to his current assignment, Major Edson served as Commander of Detachment 1, 724th Special Tactics Group at Pope Army Airfield, N.C. where he ran an elite Special Warfare training program in support of USSOCOM.
EDUCATION:
2010 Bachelor of Science, Geospatial Science, United States Air Force Academy, Colo. 2015 Master of Science, International Relations, American Military University, W.Va. 2016 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2023 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. July 2010–June 2012, Student, Combat Rescue Officer Pipeline, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
2. July 2012–April 2014, Flight Commander, 48th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
3. May 2014–September 2015, Weapons and Tactics Officer in Charge, 563d Operations Support Squadron, Davis- Monthan AFB, Ariz.
4. September 2015–May 2018, Task Force Personnel Recovery Director, Special Operations Command Central, MacDill AFB, Fla.
5. June 2018–May 2021, Flight Commander, 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, N.C.
6. June 2021–May 2022, Detachment Commander, 724th Special Tactics Group, Pope Army Airfield, N.C.
7. June 2022–May 2024, Director of Operations, 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.
8. June 2024–Present, Commander, 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster Air Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
2nd Lieutenant – 26 May 2010
1st Lieutenant- 26 May 2012
Captain – 26 May 2014
Major – 1 Jan 2020
Colonel Jose Cabrera is the Deputy Director, NATO Center of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), Ankara, Turkey.
In this role, he assists the Centre’s Director in leading a 9-nation International Military Organization and 62 staff officers. Col Cabrera is also the United States Senior National Representative at the center and is responsible for representing U.S. counter-terrorism policies and priorities.
Col Cabrera received his commission in 2000 through the University of Delaware ROTC program. He has commanded at the group and squadron levels and served multiple combat tours during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Unified Protector, New Dawn, and other contingency operations during the Global War on Terror.
Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Cabrera served as Commander, 563d Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, leading 650 Airmen and seven operational squadrons.
EDUCATION:
2000 Bachelor of Science, Aviation Management, Wilmington University, DE.
2006 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2008 Master of Science, International Relations, Troy State University, AL.
2014 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science, Operational Art, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL.
2018 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science, National Security Strategy, Eisenhower School of National Resource Strategy, Ft. Lesly J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
2024 NATO Senior Officer Policy Course, NATO School, Oberammergau, Germany.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. July 2000 – Sept 2002, Assistant, Regional Director of Admissions, AFROTC Northeast Region, NJ
2. Sept 2002– Sept 2004 Student, Combat Rescue Officer, 342d Training Squadron, Kirtland AFB, NM
3. Sep 2004 – Aug 2006, Flight Commander, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, GA
4. Aug 2006 –May 2007, Combat Rescue Program Element Monitor, HQ ACC, Langley AFB, VA
5. May 2007 – July 2009, Chief Guardian Angel Weapons System Team, HQ ACC, Langley AFB, VA
6. July 2009 – Aug 2013, Operations Officer, 58th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV
7. Aug 2013 – Jul 2014, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL
8. July 2014 – June 2015, Joint Personnel Recovery Agency Liaison to USSOCOM, MacDill AFB, FL
9. May 2015 – June 2018, Commander, 57th Rescue Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England
10. June 2018 – May 2019, Student, Eisenhower School of National Resource Strategy, Ft. McNair, D.C.
11. May 2019 – May 2020, Air Force Special Warfare Division Chief, HQ AF, Pentagon, VA
12. May 2020 – Aug 2021, Chief Commander’s Action Group, USAFE-AFAFRICA, Ramstein AB, GE
13. Aug 2021 – Jun 2022, Deputy Chief of Staff, USAFE-AFAFRICA, Ramstein AB, GE
14. Jun 2022 – Jun 2024, Commander, 563d Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
15. Jul 2024 – July 2025, Deputy Director, NATO Centre of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism, Ankara, Turkey.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS:
1. July 2014 – June 2015, Joint Personnel Recovery Agency Liaison to USSOCOM, MacDill AFB, FL, as a Major.
2. Jul 2024 – July 2025, Deputy Director, NATO Centre of Excellence Defense Against Terrorism, Ankara, Turkey, as a Colonel.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Chris Tellsworth is a Retired USAF Pararescueman and the former Chief/Senior Enlisted Manager for the 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
Chris now works as the AFSPECWAR Special Equipment Manager at the 306th RQS, providing direct support services enabling its mission. He is a strategic leader and planner, an expert in organizing, equipping and training the world’s most elite rescue forces and special operators. He integrates operational subject matter expertise with equipment requirements to the DoD’s elite Personnel Recovery Operators.
Chris directs, supervises and sustains all work performed to have a positive impact to a no-fail mission. He is an expert on Joint Tactical Operations and the AFSPECWAR Guardian Angel Weapon System.
Originally from Northern California’s central valley. He entered the Air Force in 1993 through Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, Texas. In December of 1995 he graduated from the USAF Pararescue Apprentice Course, Kirtland AFB, NM. Chris has held a variety of tactical, operational and strategic positions throughout the Air Force (both Continental U.S. and overseas).
He is a veteran of joint special operations missions and tactical deployments to include Operations: SOUTHERN WATCH (1996-1998, Saudi Arabia/Kuwait), ENDURRING FREEDOM (initial assault/multiple deployments, 2001-2019), ENDURRING FREEDOM-Horn of Africa (HOA) (2005-2017), IRAQI FREEDOM (initial assault, 2003-2018), Italy& Turkey, JTF KATRINA (2005), JTF RITA (2005), JUKEBOX LOTUS (2014), and several JTF NASA Space Shuttle/Human Space Flight launch and recovery missions (1996-2019).
Chris is married to Victoria, they have two children, Ethan and Grace. Ethan is a junior at Arizona State University with aspirations to become an elite AFSPECWAR operator. Their daughter Grace is a Freshman at Embery Riddle University and is driven to commission in the Air Force as a pilot. When not spending time with his family, Chris is an avid workout fanatic, mountain bike & klunker bike rider, an outdoorsman, a shooter, a handyman and just an all-around good dude!
ASSIGNMENTS:
2024-Present AFSPECWAR Special Mission Equipment Manager, The Peak Inc., Tucson AZ
2012-2024 Senior Program Manager, F3EA/68th RQS, Tucson, AZ
2019-2021 Special Warfare Ground Operations Manager, Monterey Consultants/Red Flag Rescue, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
Retired 2020- Chief Enlisted Manager, 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
Pararescue/Guardian Angel Team Leader, 212th Rescue Squadron, Anchorage, AK
Special Tactics Team Leader, 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope AFB, NC
Pararescue Team Leader, 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, GA
Pararescue Team Member, 41st Rescue Squadron, Patrick AFB, FL
1994-1995 (DEC Graduation) Pararescue Pipeline & Apprentice Course, Kirtland AFB, NM
EDUCATION:
2023 Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt certification
2021 Program Management Professional (PMP) certification
2017 Masters of Science Emergency Management and Disaster Response
2014 Bachelors of Science Business Administration
2012 Lone Operator Course, Top Operator
2011 Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Orientation Course
2011 Associates in Personnel Recovery Operations, Air force Community College
2004 Military Tandem & Tethered Bundle (MTTB) Course
2000 Pre-hospital Medical Care Provider/NREMT Paramedic
1995 USAF Pararescue Apprentice Course
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Combat Action Medal
Air Force Combat Readiness Medal
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Medal
Combat Parachute Jump Star Device
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION/RETIREMENT:
Chief Master Sergeant October 2011
Retired 01 February 2020