Customer Reviews

That Others May Live: The True Story of a PJ, a Member of America's Most Daring Rescue Force

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

That Others May Live is a very well written book that captivates your attention from start to finish. Although it reads like an adventure novel, for those of us who have lived in the PJ world it is reality. Readers will truly understand the meaning of the cliche "Its not just a job; its an adventure". The author's account of his love for his wife is touching and the book does a good job getting the reader to imagine how it must feel to live in her shoes-one who knows that each time she says goodbye to her loved one it truly may be the last time. I hear over and over from people that they have never heard of PJs and I know they really have, they just don't realize it. From Viet Nam to Somalia, Bosnia to Mt McKinley-these rescues they have heard of. The book provides insight into this elite group who are definitely a breed of their own-but then they have to be to do what they do. They are so select that they just can't help but be special and after reading the book you'll know why. I realize I am biased as my husband was one of the author's best friends-one of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice-a PJ who didn't beat the odds as told in the book. But the fact of the matter is, it is a great book with stories so exciting its hard to imagine what it is that makes these guys tick. What makes them so selfless to give it all for ANYONE? Its hard to say but there is one thing you understand when reading: PJs are driven and their mental fortitude is undebatable. You don't understand why they do it but you're glad someone will. I have heard many a great PJ story and am honored that now the rest of the world can read about some of their heroic measures and live saving missions. It is truly worth reading!

That Others May Live...is a page-turner that will leave you in awe of the Air Force Pararescue Jumpers. It exposes every complex layer of men who redefine the word "courage", while compassionately exploring the sacrifices made by the people they love. I vicariously experienced the fear and exhilaration of every rescue, expressed artfully by the authors. Can you imagine what is must be like to be floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in 50 foot seas? Repelling from Mount McKinley attached to an unconscious hypothermia victim in hurricane force winds? Falling to earth from 26,000 feet at terminal velocity with 60 pounds of gear on your back? Fasten your seat belt! This book is quite a ride. Your heart will ache for Peggy Brehm, Jack's wife of 20 years, and his children who must suffer the pain of separation and the fear of losing their husband and father. This book is not just an action adventure. It profoundly explores the human side of men who constantly test the limits of physical and psychological endurance and the toll that it takes on the people they love. Don't miss the opportunity to appreciate the men and women we often take for granted-our military and in particular the Pararescue Team of the U.S. Air Force. I give this book an enthusiastic 5 star plus rating!

Jack Brehm; thank you for writing this wonderful book. As a former PJ,(1971-1982: PJ Class 73-01), I found myself recalling events, places and people that had been pushed back in my memory banks. It's great to read a book like this and know so many of the names, recalling where I was when certain things were happening to different guys at different places all over the globe. I am impressed how you so accurately spelled out the frustration and the realization of how others just can't understand when we tell them about some of the things we've done and experienced. You have put into words, the emotions and feelings that I know many past and present pararescuemen have had. I've been out of Pararescue 15 years now, and the only time I tell PJ stories any more is at the reunions, to other PJ's, who have a shared, common experience. Because other people either do not believe you, or they just can't grasp the concept that people would or could do the things we did. One very important point that was made in your book was the way corporate PJ knowledge is passed from the old to the new. That is reflected in many of the recent posts to the PJ message board. It's the way we all learned, (the term OJT takes on a new meaning in Pararescue!)and every PJ needs to make sure he's passing on what he's learned and experienced to the new guys, because they are the future. My kids were very young when I got out of Pararescue and they really don't recall those days, but this book will give them a little better understanding of what the "old man" did in the service. I especially appreciate the credit you give your wife. I had been married less than 2 months at Woodbridge when I was in a 53 crash in Stuttgart.(Ask Al Manuel about that one). A hell of a way to start a marriage! We've been together over 22 years now, and I feel those PJ years certainly helped to strengthen our bond. You should be proud to know that your book reminded this former PJ to appreciate and cherish his wife more than ever. Thanks again Jack. You "done" good. Your book is a credit not only to you and your fine family, but also to all of us who have ever donned the maroon beret and lived by the motto, "These things we do....that others may live!" Mike Long Original Charter Member of the Royal Order of Newkie Droogs, (North Wales Chapter)

Authentic! Jack Brehm and Pete Nelson have done an outstanding job of describing the intense emotions and life of this most elite brotherhood of the U.S. Military. Jack accurately captures, from start to finish, the unique challenges (highs and lows) of becoming and remaining an USAF PJ so Others May Live. Jack's high esprit, intense motivation, devotion to duty and family, coupled with his love of life are enthusiastically exported to the written page. The book reads well, unencumbered with military jargon and acronyms that makes reading some works of military topics difficult. The book is fast paced, keeping the reader wanting to see what happens next. John A. Smith, PJ (Retired) Class Leader `78-03 HooYa!

As a helicopter maintainer stationed with a USAF Rescue unit, I thought I knew all there was to know about being a PJ without actually being one. This book opened my eyes to the emotions of our elite Pararescue Jumpers. Jack Brehm masterfully retells "cherry" missions of close friends, candidly discusses his career highs and lows, and shares the emotions of not only himself and his fellow PJs, but of his wife and loving family. The perfect book for anyone interested in the subject. It truly made me appreciate the men under the maroon berets and fully understand the mission of my squadron. (SSgt Urbanski, 33RQS)

Jack Brehm's book, "That Others May Life," is a must for those of you who like to experience life by the seat of your pants. During the raging Atlantic storm that became the storm of the century, you will jump into the ocean from a helicopter thousands of feet in the air. Because of a wind shift during a medical mission you'll find yourself going down the smokestack of a ship instead of landing on the deck and you will experience the unbelievable training the PJ's or Pararescue Jumpers of the United States Air Force undergo in order to qualify. You'll live, love and drink with them and then thank God that brave men such as these are available to save our lives.

This is an excellent, well done, entertaining read! Here is a female perspective from one who has an Army NCO brother, and cousins and uncles who have served in various military branches. Jack's story gave me new insight on military life and the sacrifices he, his family, and others like him have made and continue to make in service to our country. From 1986-1996 I lived in Connecticut very near Long Island Sound and remember well "The Perfect Storm" that cost a PJ's life.

Especially wonderful is the support and commitment Jack and his wife have given to each other and their family. That is what a marriage should be - a partnership. I also thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the other PJs and what happened in their lives. It is good to know heroes still exist and that there are parents who will do what is best for their children, not just what is convenient for the parents.

As I was reading, I often thought, "These guys are nuts!" However, it takes extraordinary men to do what they do and it is comforting to know the PJs are there for those who need them. It is heartening that, so far, it seems the PJs have been able to avoid the "kinder, gentler" political correctness that is destroying our military. I can only pray that the rest of the military and country wakes up before it is too late.

God bless Jack and Peggy Brehm and the other PJs for sharing their stories with us.

Enter the world of Rescue. John (Jack) Brehm does an excellent job in telling his story as his life of being a Pararescue Jumper (PJ). And for those of us that know John, and many of the other names that were mentioned in the book, made it hard to put down. Hats off, to both his wife Peggy and their children for their teamwork and support. John's dedication to both his career and family is truely spectacular. Having worked with John, and been flying rescue for over twenty years , I can appreciate all he had to share with his rescue stories. John has motivation and always gives that 150% in no matter what he does and is a super person to be around. He is a role model PJ, that has stuck with it for all these years, many times putting his own life out on the line, but still loving what he does for work. I still hope that the two of us can sit on the cabin porch and tilt a few beers as we look out at Mckinely and share some stories. I see the making of a good movie.

I respect what the PJs do.

My father is a retired USAF SMSgt himself. During his service, he spent a couple of years with the 1722 Combat Control Squadron in McChord AFB, Washington. Coincidentally, I myself graduated from Niceville High School that was mentioned briefly near the end of the book.

I just did not get what I was looking for out of this book. There was too much family talk and not enough talk about the action. I got the impression that Jack Brehm served during a time and in an area where not that much happened, considering the length of his service. It made for rather boring read, but since I just borrowed the book from the library, I'm not out any money, only time.

Two other things bothered me about this book. I do not think one has to be a hard drinker to be a hard fighter and the gripes about military personnel not being paid enough are tiresome.

This is an excellent book on an unexplored subject. People tend to ignore the PJs in favour of their combat brethern the SEALs and Rangers. Jack Brehm has had an incredible life and must really love his job. Our nation is lucky to have such stalwart heroes at its command. This is the book that made me want to become a pararescueman. Highly recommended.