Former pararescue jumper Steve Nesbit joined Richmond’s Morning News with Rich Herrera to break down the high-risk rescue of a downed U.S. airman in Iran, offering listeners a rare, firsthand look into one of the military’s most elite missions. Nesbit explained that Air Force Pararescuemen—known as PJs—are often called upon to enter the most dangerous environments on the planet, tasked with recovering and saving lives under extreme conditions. From combat zones to disaster areas, their role is clear: get in, stabilize, and bring Americans home.
Nesbit walked listeners through the grueling training pipeline required to earn the coveted maroon beret. Candidates endure years of physical and mental testing, including dive school, airborne training, survival school, and advanced medical instruction that rivals civilian paramedics and trauma specialists. The pipeline is designed to push candidates to their limits, ensuring only the most disciplined and resilient make it through. Their motto, “That Others May Live,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commitment that defines every mission and every decision in the field.
Today, Nesbit continues his mission of service as co-founder and executive director of Shields and Stripes, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life. Through advocacy, resources, and community support, Shields and Stripes works to ensure those who served have the tools they need to succeed at home. To learn more or get involved, visit shieldsandstrips.org.
Steve Nesbit on Richmond's Morning News
