Top enlisted pararescueman of Alaska Air Guard retires

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Callahan
  • 176th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Chief Master Sgt. Paul "Bear" Barendregt, a pararescueman and chief enlisted manager for the Alaska Air National Guard's 212th Rescue Squadron, retired in a ceremony at the 212th's headquarters building here Dec. 3, 2016.

Since joining the Alaska Air National Guard in 1999, Barendregt has become of of the most accomplished and recognizable faces of Alaska wilderness rescue.

He is personally credited with saving 106 lives saved, assisting an additional 43 survivors during the course of 91 Alaska rescue missions. In addition, he has deployed all over the world, performing combat rescue missions and in support of humanitarian assistance operations.

Through his skill and commitment Barendregt exemplified the motto of the Air Force Pararescueman: "These things we do, that others may live."