PJ Memorial Service
Master Sgt. Mike Maroney, renders a salute after removing the flash from his pararescue beret and leaving it on the casket of his fallen comrade, Tech. Sgt. Michael Flores who died June 9, near FOB Jackson, Afghanistan, in a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash. Since Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. Air Force Pararescueman have begun the tradition of leaving their beret flashes to their fallen "PJs" as a sign of honor and respect. The beret and flash are the cherished items of a pararescueman has it takes two years of training to earn.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)