Upon deciding to don the uniform, warfighters opt for the less trodden path. A path of selfless service and vigilance whether on or off duty. And often opportunities to serve the community arise at the most unexpected moments. This past month has shed light on another, less visible aspect of the Special Operations and military communities.

First, Air Force Technical Sergeant Ken O’Brien, a Pararescueman (PJ) assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron (320 STS), Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, ramps up a rescue record straight out of a movie plot.

Lieutenant General James “Jim” Slife, the commanding officer of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), even uploaded a short post on his official Facebook page describing the PJ’s achievements:

This dude.

He’s TSgt Ken O’Brien…a pararescueman assigned to the 320 STS at Kadena. I can’t decide if he’s Superman or Mayhem (the guy on the insurance commercials). Check it out…

He’s on the President’s security detail during his summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

He pulls a person from a burning car in Korea.

He saves a Thai Navy SEAL during the Thai cave rescue mission.