They're here to save your life

Published Jan. 11, 2007
By 2nd Lt. Noel Bacnis
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Sixty-six made it in. Only 33 made it out.

On Dec. 15, in a display of honor and accomplishment, less than three dozen new Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape specialists received a graduation certificate, a sage beret, and an appreciation letter delivered personally by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris. After almost six months of intensive, grueling training, these new SERE graduates are now ready to save us all.

"These graduates are the most highly trained and most motivated individuals," said Chief Master Sgt. Jon Stuhr, 66th Training Squadron superintendent, adding that even with a 50-percent drop-out rate, this class constitutes the largest in school history. "For most of the graduates, graduation was probably the proudest day of their lives."

It certainly was for Airman 1st Class Freddie Kight, one of the 33.

"This is by far my biggest accomplishment ... I was very proud, and so were my parents and fiancée. They were all at the graduation, and they were just ecstatic that I was able to make it through."

Airman Kight said he was drawn to the field because the thought of saving lives and teaching others to stay alive appealed to him. Originally looking to become a teacher, he decided that the SERE field would give him a chance to really make a difference.

"The training was very tough, very competitive - a lot of hard work and late nights, but the reward in the end was worth it," he said.

That training primarily took place right here at Fairchild Air Force Base; all approved applicants move here after an introductory course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Then starts five-and-a-half months of intensive work. Students learn techniques to survive in a hostile environment, in captivity, in dangerous climates ... anywhere. Their lessons include water survival, field and academic training. By the time they're done, specialists can "do some amazing things," said Chief Stuhr.

SERE specialists are members of an elite group of Airmen who train Department of Defense and U.S. government personnel with a high risk of capture or danger. Every year, the specialists instruct more than 6,500 aircrew members to survive in any situation, any place.

The specialists comprise one third of the Air Force Guardian Angel Weapons System, which also includes pararescuemen and combat rescue officers. Together, they're responsible for enabling combatant commanders to plan and execute recovery missions, said the chief.

Airman Kight is almost at that enabling point. He's now at the 22nd Training Squadron, preparing and honing his instructor skills through on-the-job training. After six months of this OJT, he'll be ready to get out there and fulfill his dream - quite simply, to save your life.

The following is a list of the graduates:

Airman 1st Class Steven Green - Cadre Award Winner
Airman 1st Class Daniel Foret - Honor Graduate
Airman 1st Class Jeryd Leuck - Distinguished Graduate
Staff Sgt. Patrick McGrath - Distinguished Graduate
Senior Airman Nicholas Moore
Airman 1st Class Eric Beatty
Airman 1st Class Clifton Cleveland
Airman 1st Class Darren Fackler
Airman 1st Class Robert Goss
Airman 1st Class Ryan Hall
Airman 1st Class Freddie Kight
Airman 1st Class Christopher Lindsay
Airman 1st Class David Noriega
Airman 1st Class Scott Price
Airman 1st Class Britton Seprish
Airman 1st Class Travis Wilbanks
Airman 1st Class Ryan Garrett
Airman 1st Class Manuel Lamson
Airman 1st Class Matthew Ralston
Airman 1st Class Bret Steinbrink
Staff Sgt. Christopher Weichman
Senior Airman Ryan Sherwood
Airman 1st Class Justin Carson
Airman 1st Class Joseph Dittmer
Airman 1st Class Ethan Jago
Airman 1st Class Paul Merck
Airman 1st Class Tyler Pitcher
Airman 1st Class Ryan Reinhold
Airman 1st Class Ronnie Wheeler
Airman 1st Class Chad Braunschweig
Airman 1st Class Bradley Kozisek
Airman 1st Class Scott Perlick
Airman 1st Class Jared Reynolds

SERE Graduation