Combat Story (Ep 9): Jimmy Settle Air Force PJ | Purple Heart & Air Medal (V) Recipient | Author

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  • Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
  • Join our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan for people who love and support our veterans, service members, and their families. It has info on a significant event in military and/or intel history, a funny military joke, an update on a current event I'm following, something I'm doing that week in my life, a book I'm reading, a look at an upcoming interview, a reflection on a past episode and more
    Jimmy Settle is a retired Air Force Pararescueman (“PJ”) credited with saving 38 lives and assisting in saving 28 others in combat, in addition to saves in the Alaskan wilderness.
    He racked up over 270 combat search and rescue hours in Afghanistan, where he earned an Air Medal with Valor for his life saving heroics and a Purple Heart after being shot in the head (and returning to combat 24 hours later).
    Jimmy catalogues these and other near death experiences in his book, “Never Quit: From Alaska Wilderness Rescues to Afghanistan Firefights as an Elite Special Ops PJ,” where he shares the friendships, hardships, pranks, and events that changed his life, from being an elite athlete competing at the Naval Academy to completing the daunting PJ pipeline to live saving ops in the most austere environments.
    #veteran #airforce #PJ #purpleheart #specialops
    0:00 Intro.
    5:47 - What is a PJ and the military’s pararescue.
    13:33 - Introduced to PJ by Chris Robertson.
    19:43 - “Cardiac Event” aka the first (of many) near death experience.
    27:56 - “19 year old decision” to leave the Naval Academy after invasive surgery on the heart.
    30:46 - The PJ “Pipeline” of elite training, INDOC (80%+ attrition rate), Combat Divers Course, Airborne, Free Fall, SERE, Pararescue EMT and Apprenticeship.
    48:05 - “Cones” aka unfortunate trainees going through the pipeline (better than a Toad, not yet a Maroon Beret).
    50:17 - Covertly free climbing Fort Benning’s 250’ Jump Towers for a prank.
    52:48 - The “Green Feet” image used by PJs, an homage to Vietnam helos.
    58:13 - The first time working on a live patient (intubation) in Philadelphia in a paramedic apprentice program.
    1:05:51 - The first rescue from an aircraft as a PJ in Alaska at night in the wilderness to help a woman who had an accident with an ATV, chainsaw, and a scalping.
    1:09:51 - Another near death experience while training in Alaska’s Cook Inlet at night.
    1:27:29 - Supporting Operation Bulldog Bite in Kunar province, Afghanistan in November 2010.
    1:29:21 - Another near death experience getting shot in the head.
    1:36:29 - Going back into combat 24 hours after being shot in the head to rescue dozens of people.
    1:48:48 - Saving two soldiers on a chopper and thinking, “This is my purpose in life.”
    1:49:17 - Losing memory after getting shot in the head and how it creeped in “insidiously.”
    1:53:12 - Describing the difficulty in transitioning from the service to the civilian world and the loss of identity.
    1:56:36 - Living in a car in the Commissary parking lot until a senior enlisted airmen intervened.
    2:02:06 - “Without hesitation” would do it again.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 151

  • @craigallen5963
    @craigallen5963 3 роки тому +73

    You need to bring him back to cover MFF, SERE, and his time in SOMTC etc. I would've listened to him for 6 hours...great storyteller, and great guy. I ran into him several times in my career.

    • @michelledraper6721
      @michelledraper6721 2 роки тому +3

      Same I could listen to him for six hours..thank you for your service and just know it won’t be forgotten!

    • @Jwalker21NC
      @Jwalker21NC 7 місяців тому

      Oh absolutely! What a great great dude. Just a really awesome attitude that’s bad ass man thank you for your service!

  • @pauldombrowski2330
    @pauldombrowski2330 3 роки тому +31

    This guy is a stud. Very humble. Perfect guest

  • @hammstah9578
    @hammstah9578 3 роки тому +58

    Awesome guy, amazing attitude. Also it's so important for the rest of us to hear the stories and understand what our guys are going through. And for anybody interested in Battlefield Airmen careers, this is a great interview.

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  3 роки тому +14

      Thanks so much. Jimmy is a one of a kind for sure. I feel like his career was cut far too short but he took it in such a positive way. Great example to follow.

  • @meikel1492
    @meikel1492 3 роки тому +23

    why do all of our country’s elite soldiers(more so the real upper echelons) all have bubbly personalities, i could be wrong because i’ve never met one and i’ve only seen them in podcasts but they ALL seem so soft spoken and genuine like you never doubt anything they say even if it seems damn near impossible

  • @jeremylarnce859
    @jeremylarnce859 3 роки тому +40

    His story brought tears to my eyes I'm so grateful for soldiers like him

    • @Lvxidity
      @Lvxidity 3 роки тому +2

      He made a book on it too! It’s called “Never quit” created by Jimmy Settle

    • @gullybull5568
      @gullybull5568 3 роки тому +1

      why . ? please explain

    • @bestjobieverhad9584
      @bestjobieverhad9584 3 роки тому

      @@Lvxidity that's surprising

    • @Lvxidity
      @Lvxidity 3 роки тому

      @@bestjobieverhad9584 wdym and how..?

    • @shepgip7779
      @shepgip7779 2 роки тому +1

      Airmen not Soldier.

  • @bulletproofh2t
    @bulletproofh2t 3 роки тому +22

    Here to help UA-cam recommend this PJ video to other peeps

  • @pennybrooks9038
    @pennybrooks9038 Рік тому +2

    OMG Jimmy! I’ve met other warriors like you. God bless you.I was a Mental Health troop in the AF for 20. I know about the loss of identity especially following deployments. Nothing compares. I was a reservist who fell through the cracks, also homeless. Thank God there’s organizations that want to help, even though it’s hard to seek help sometimes. Keep trucking brother!

  • @IceStreams377
    @IceStreams377 Рік тому +2

    Go Air Force, Go Airman!

  • @zebrajenks
    @zebrajenks 3 роки тому +8

    great story from a great guy. He is so positive and entertaining. I served 12 years in CSAR, 4 with 66 RQS Nellis AFB Las Vegas NV

  • @elizabethbottroff1218
    @elizabethbottroff1218 2 роки тому +4

    My friend's Lil' Bro was a PJ. I always described his job as the Swiss army knife of rescue, since he was put through so many different schools. The competence level was so high that he had nothing to prove. He was the most chill guy I've met. When in civies, you'd never guess what his day job was.

  • @trailbuilderinva
    @trailbuilderinva Рік тому +1

    Started listening to your podcasts a week ago and started catching up on all the previous episodes. Prior to my LE career and years with the US Marshals I my military service was back in the 80’s. Being a veteran advocate for END22 and veteran suicide prevention I’ve learned valuable things from your podcasts. Now I have to say I could’ve listened to Jimmy for hours. This brother is hilarious yet humble. Would love a part 2 to hear more about the schools in his pipeline to becoming a PJ. Thank you for such amazing interviews and hearing elite veterans telling their story’s.

  • @benyoung552
    @benyoung552 3 роки тому +20

    This dude is legit awesome! Love These guys attitudes... My younger brother by 2 years almost exactly was a CCT... Similar pipeline and same kick ass attitude of taking life as it comes and keeping spirits high through the journey... Great interview!!!

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  3 роки тому +3

      Really appreciate the kind words here Ben. Couldn't agree more about the great attitudes. I'm sure your brother is the same way!

    • @benyoung552
      @benyoung552 3 роки тому +2

      @@CombatStory He sure is 100%... Couldn't be more proud! I would have gone down a similar path, but ended up raising 2 kids alone and didn't think joining the military during war time (early 2000's) would have been good for them. So I passed and went on to other things... And btw, you're an awesome interviewer! I mean that! And have a knack for choosing great ppl to interview!

  • @ryanromandia8223
    @ryanromandia8223 3 роки тому +13

    Just finished his book Never Quit! This guys is awesome! Seem like a very humble guy for being a fucking stud

    • @kxkxkxkx
      @kxkxkxkx 3 роки тому

      He had me at "endless 4:30 miles" lol

  • @danielholman7225
    @danielholman7225 3 роки тому +7

    Jimmy is a pretty cool guy, good verbal skills, up beat, can do spirit. Would be a good guy to serve with.

  • @ronniehdable
    @ronniehdable 2 роки тому +1

    These are the men who make America great. So cool. Thank you for your service.

  • @odan7564
    @odan7564 3 роки тому +7

    Unbelievable story. Every man on this site is a hero. Thank you gentlemen, your country owes you immensely.

  • @seanmcnally5560
    @seanmcnally5560 Рік тому +1

    I think I speak for all of us when I say I want to be this guy's friend. Such an authentic and humorous soul.

  • @manhalen7046
    @manhalen7046 2 роки тому +8

    What a cool guy and he has some great stories. I can also attest, because my wife and her family are from Alaska, that Alaskans are....without question, batshit insane 😆

  • @heavyizthacrown-5842
    @heavyizthacrown-5842 3 роки тому +12

    Wow man... It took courage to tell your story man, especially the part about memory loss, which I’ve got some experience with. It’s sucks& makes you feel helpless. SALUTE to ALL the soldiers that have defended this country! 🇺🇸

  • @tnvet1970
    @tnvet1970 3 роки тому +14

    Great interview. I was in the Alaska Air Guard for a few years and our PJ's were awesome. There was also an excellent book, The Rescue Season about the Alaskan 210th Rescue Squadron.

    • @Lvxidity
      @Lvxidity 3 роки тому +1

      Mad respect brother! I am planning to join the Alaskan Team one day too! I hope I'm qualified already training mentally and physically!

  • @davewylie654
    @davewylie654 2 роки тому +2

    Getting jocked up to jump out of the C130. LOL That's awesome man. Some of the most impressive troops I encountered were JTAC's and Pj's They were awesome

  • @jeremyabercrombie3178
    @jeremyabercrombie3178 Рік тому +2

    I loved this interview. I knew Jim in high school and from the mountain running community after high school. I read his book when it came out and it was really inspiring. He has always been an encouraging, inspirational, and humble guy. It is great to see him again.

  • @evam.8567
    @evam.8567 Рік тому +1

    Jimmy, you're very brave but showed us the tremendous toll of combat, and the sacrifice made by our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service and sharing your story.

  • @epimoni5705
    @epimoni5705 3 роки тому +3

    Man that story of him in the hospital at 19 is insane. God bless him thank you for this interview!

  • @markwyllie9206
    @markwyllie9206 2 роки тому +5

    What an amazing story what a hero. Found these amazing interviews only recently. Cheers from Australia

  • @christopherramey1394
    @christopherramey1394 2 роки тому +4

    The authenticity with which this story was delivered hit me hard and its message will stay with me as I battle through my own adversities. There is something special about sharing your story to help out complete strangers in ways that you will never know - t
    hank you both.

  • @pookiewhite3289
    @pookiewhite3289 2 роки тому +2

    I'm very upset this video is only in the 30k views. I think I've watched all of these an this guy is my 2cd fav. Johnny Shrek's Numero Uno

  • @danielsummey4144
    @danielsummey4144 3 роки тому +2

    This dude was so chill. Like I related with him so much

  • @thedreamteam4u
    @thedreamteam4u 3 роки тому +3

    Wait a second! I met this dude in JBAD!!!! I thought this whole video that he looked familiar

  • @stephenbabine3325
    @stephenbabine3325 2 роки тому +18

    Hilarious! Jimmy: Doc, I want to go back on duty, but I can’t wear a helmet as it hurts my head from my wounds. Doc: Well you’ve already been shot in the head, what else can happen. Great stuff!

    • @michelledraper6721
      @michelledraper6721 2 роки тому

      👌🤣 thanks for quoting Jimmy that was my favorite part..

  • @maytronix7201
    @maytronix7201 3 роки тому +1

    The stories are the best... chock full of lessons.. nice job fellas.

  • @cy_sloth
    @cy_sloth 3 роки тому +1

    Jaw dropping. Thank you for your service, Mr. Settle

  • @jeremylarnce859
    @jeremylarnce859 3 роки тому +1

    We love you Jimmy thank you for your service

  • @tayday424
    @tayday424 6 місяців тому

    This channel has had a lot of cool dudes on. This guy has got to be one of the coolest.

  • @matheusoliveira-ys2mo
    @matheusoliveira-ys2mo 3 роки тому +3

    Leroooyyy Jeeeeeenkins !! Love PJs... this guy is amazing.

  • @justinm.791
    @justinm.791 3 роки тому +2

    Another great interview....well done!!!

  • @michaelhussein870
    @michaelhussein870 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your amazing service. Bless you and your comrades. 🇺🇲

  • @lynsherlock2638
    @lynsherlock2638 3 роки тому +3

    Wow respect saving someone s life when you yourself are injured thanks for sharing 👍 😀💜🙏

  • @nicholaschandler6555
    @nicholaschandler6555 2 роки тому +3

    This was a really good one. Thanks for Doing these, Ryan. These really help vets like myself.

  • @Whitesp44
    @Whitesp44 3 роки тому +3

    No bigger commitment in any branch of service. Absolutely beautiful human beings. Great podcast. I will definitely check out that book.

  • @mavrikmavrik3032
    @mavrikmavrik3032 3 роки тому +3

    Awesome life Jimmy, it's great to have people like you in this country! While the rest of your days may not be as exciting I hope they are long and fulfilling in different ways!

  • @mynameisjim48
    @mynameisjim48 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your Service.

  • @greggarrett4738
    @greggarrett4738 3 роки тому +1

    Y’all are awesome. Thank you

  • @Frank-Xavier
    @Frank-Xavier 2 роки тому

    Everyone wants a friend like this guy. Him being a PJ with amazing stories is icing on the cake.

  • @livetothefullest8888
    @livetothefullest8888 2 роки тому +1

    This guy was great. These interviews are amazing

  • @alethamobley6688
    @alethamobley6688 2 роки тому

    Thank You for your service SIR!

  • @DMVHouseRadioOne
    @DMVHouseRadioOne 3 роки тому +3

    Dude!! I love this!!! I'm an Air Force Veteran and I also had that exact same procedure!!! Radio Frequency Ablation! I had to have it twice! The weirdest thing I have ever experienced!. Felt like I was being baked inside out! Awesome story Brother!

  • @garymartin9898
    @garymartin9898 Рік тому

    Another Great one!

  • @johnhoran5776
    @johnhoran5776 3 роки тому +3

    Great story. Such a positive attitude as well. Thank you for your service Jimmy. Great interview Ryan and thank you as well for your service. My son is USAF security forces. I’m a very proud father.

  • @raylauderback5126
    @raylauderback5126 3 роки тому

    I have no words. Fantastic interview.👍

  • @spurchaser
    @spurchaser Рік тому

    Outfreakingstanding interview! Jimmy rocks!!!

  • @stevecapaldi1999
    @stevecapaldi1999 3 роки тому

    WOW. Thank you

  • @kdak247
    @kdak247 3 роки тому

    This guy is great.

  • @bostoncopguy
    @bostoncopguy Рік тому

    This guy is friggin awesome!

  • @howtohomegyms8249
    @howtohomegyms8249 3 роки тому +1

    This was an awesome video. Proud to be part of this community. TOML

  • @chetlovesamerica3085
    @chetlovesamerica3085 3 роки тому

    Amazing Guy -!!!,,,,,really enjoyed this interview, thanks for sharing☆☆☆☆☆

  • @davemellor828
    @davemellor828 3 місяці тому

    This guy is an absolute great storyteller, I hope there is a part 2. Great video Ryan.

  • @rusnsc7622
    @rusnsc7622 3 роки тому

    God Bless, thanks for sharing…

  • @wizzardofpaws2420
    @wizzardofpaws2420 2 роки тому

    This guy is hysterical.

  • @mylifeinthailand8751
    @mylifeinthailand8751 2 роки тому

    Jimmy you Sir are a superstar

  • @matthewhopkins7518
    @matthewhopkins7518 2 роки тому +2

    Wow. Thank you so so very much for giving all of us a glimpse into the life of this amazing humble courageous loving compassionate awesome warrior. This episode really touched my heart and soul. He is such a super soft hearted big teddy bear, but at the same time a power super very humble loving caring warrior who was and will always be willing to lose his own life to save a fellow human I love his smile. His humility. Wow oh wow I love his humility and compassion. Sorry for the bad grammar and sentence structure. Thank you Jesus for this amazing man.

  • @lonpearson2134
    @lonpearson2134 Рік тому

    Great interview

  • @god-la-7wins-verdad-942
    @god-la-7wins-verdad-942 2 роки тому

    God bless this man, no this man has blessed us and God blessed him…😇

  • @wendylabonte9330
    @wendylabonte9330 Рік тому

    I really love your sense of humor Jimmy...great story teller and a wonderful voice to listen too...I hope Ryan brings you back for more enlisted stories....man you huts were so lucky not to get dropped after your green feet flag placement....I really laughed hard at that

  • @tonymontanamalverde
    @tonymontanamalverde 3 роки тому +5

    The first pic of this video was taken at Joyce, Kunar province AFG.. can't mistake those mountains

  • @greasyflight6609
    @greasyflight6609 Рік тому

    Trouble makers....thank God for those guys! Guts...Glory

  • @Swab209
    @Swab209 2 роки тому

    This dude is so funny! Enjoyed the combat story very much

  • @RobertSantos-rw8dy
    @RobertSantos-rw8dy 2 роки тому

    thank you

  • @luisarteaga6074
    @luisarteaga6074 2 роки тому

    Dudes a beast💯🤟🏽😎

  • @spacejunky4380
    @spacejunky4380 Рік тому

    Man, I'm rescue maintenance and PJs really are the shit. I have immense respect for all PJs!

  • @prepnetbr6366
    @prepnetbr6366 Рік тому

    GREAT episode in a channel full of great episodes. I second Craig Allen and others who´ve asked you to bring him back.

  • @johnnybgoode9080
    @johnnybgoode9080 Рік тому

    Read your book 3 times. As an a AF vet xo bro wow

  • @suestory3046
    @suestory3046 Рік тому

    I used to think being a kindergarten teacher for almost 20 years was somewhat of a valuable contribution to society. After listening to these stories, I realized I haven't done anything!

  • @Discipline_equals_freedom
    @Discipline_equals_freedom 3 роки тому +5

    I wish I had been more motivated when I was in the Air Force. I’m so jealous of these awesome men. All elite military troops are real life super heroes.

  • @shammy3138
    @shammy3138 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome podcast and an awesome American 🇺🇸

  • @raymondperez6583
    @raymondperez6583 5 місяців тому

    Hooyahhh, Jimmy! TOML

  • @Mr.Scootini
    @Mr.Scootini 2 роки тому

    “Walking amongst civilians who, don’t care or don’t want to know… What did you do all that for?”
    Perfectly sums up talks I had with an old coworker of mine at my last job.
    He was army artillery not sure of his rank, but he served 02-03 (if my memory serves me right)
    We didn’t speak to each other much about his time in the military, but we did on occasion, I can see in his eyes that he was rather shocked that a person like me, a quiet nerd who loves to fly and learn, has any interest in the military and what happened. I asked him if he operated the howtizer and his face lit up!

  • @briangregory6303
    @briangregory6303 2 роки тому

    Hey man. I'm just a Cold War Air Force dude, but if you can get word to Jimmy, let him know I'm immensely proud of him and his generation. My service doesn't compare to these fine young dudes.

  • @adrianpreciado4380
    @adrianpreciado4380 2 роки тому

    I read his book: Never Quit. Such a inspiring and fascinating story of his life. His journey and struggled inspired me to pursue my own goals, no matter the hardship.

  • @InYeshuasHolyName
    @InYeshuasHolyName 3 роки тому +3

    1:36:41 ......this dude is awesome , really good guy " gotta go back in .....what else could go wrong You already been shot in the head " .....had me Rollin 🤣😂🤣. Good dude 🤠.

  • @Justcheese24
    @Justcheese24 3 роки тому +5

    Awesome video. Such a humble positive guy.

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  3 роки тому +1

      Couldn't agree more! A great person and so selfless.

  • @greasyflight6609
    @greasyflight6609 Рік тому

    You never know when your kills will change somebodies life. Once a medic always a medic.

  • @GuysGuideService479
    @GuysGuideService479 3 роки тому

    Reminds me of being in 66trs and seeing the PJs getting smoked at all hours during selection while everyone else was sleeping

  • @rexw2203
    @rexw2203 3 роки тому

    Mmmmm....Indoc at Medina Annex....water-con...great times...LOL. Hoo-Yah Green-Feet!

  • @mohawksniper79
    @mohawksniper79 3 роки тому

    Bad ass dude 👍🤠🇨🇦

  • @Rusty.1776
    @Rusty.1776 3 роки тому

    WHAT A GREAT FREAKIN DUDE! ♥️🤍💙🇺🇲🦅

  • @maggiemae1308
    @maggiemae1308 3 роки тому +3

    Great interview! Jimmy’s book was INCREDIBLE! So awesome to see and hear him share like this.

  • @jim8577
    @jim8577 3 роки тому +8

    Wow, another awesome interview! Jimmy is a badass! One suggestion I have is you should give 10 or 15 minutes at the end where they can ask you questions.

  • @wdcjunk
    @wdcjunk 3 роки тому +1

    "It looks like it would be rowdy" lol this guy is great. 2:03:10

  • @Scoobz187
    @Scoobz187 3 роки тому +1

    *haha* I sure am no PJ, but boy can i relate to that EMS part. XD

  • @michaeljones7372
    @michaeljones7372 Рік тому

    50:00-50:17 good stuff, too funny!!

  • @ItsHazeBuster70
    @ItsHazeBuster70 2 роки тому

    I found it! lets GO!!!!

  • @chefgameill
    @chefgameill 2 роки тому +2

    Loss of identity, man that shit hit deep. Real af. From a soldier to an airman, thanks bro 💯🙌

  • @igintell7295
    @igintell7295 3 роки тому +1

    Like 4th time listening

  • @lilslicknick93
    @lilslicknick93 Рік тому

    It’s crazy because I NEVER EVER knew that we had PJ’s that we’re doing these things in Philly and in Camden NJ! Being from south Jersey myself I knew exactly why they stationed you there because you aren’t kidding with how dangerous camden is for how small it is and Philly is crazy dangerous too still to this day…

  • @Cjmm007
    @Cjmm007 2 роки тому

    Couldn’t imagine training two years or more just to be on the job for 100 days then it’s over. Either way it was worth it saving those lives!

  • @daytonmccastle5346
    @daytonmccastle5346 3 роки тому

    Awwwweeeee Air under water yaaaasssss. Hahahahahha awesome.

  • @mylifeinthailand8751
    @mylifeinthailand8751 2 роки тому

    Just bought the book on kindle from Amazon about a minute ago

  • @garybennett2856
    @garybennett2856 2 роки тому

    Ryan thank you for doing this series. Jimmy is and always will be a “real” hero! Although I’m sure his humble nature will never allow him to see that. I’m really pissed off that any veteran had to sleep in his car waiting to get the treatment and benefits that he deserves and has truly earned. I love you guys. God bless!!

  • @nlee2492
    @nlee2492 2 роки тому

    Has anyone heard of the “Ice Man” Wim Hof? Spending some time with that dude, before selection, would be a VERY interesting experiment.