Beale NCO's dreams 'jumps' to reality Published March 25, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Chuck Broadway 9th RW Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., (ACCNS) -- High-energy, upbeat, fast-paced, pumped-up .... hardcore. Those are some of the words used by fellow Airmen to describe Staff Sgt. Johnathon Lind, the 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution supervisor. The description fits the lifestyle and career of someone who is always on the run, always ready, and always eager for a challenge ... say a pararescueman? An Air Force pararescueman, referred to as a parajumper or PJ, is what Sergeant Lind has dreamed of being since he enlisted in the military. On April 20, after nearly five years of hard work and dedication, his dream became reality when he sets forth to PJ training and hopefully join an elite group of servicemembers. Sergeant's Lind desire to be a parajumper began when he found he needed a career where he could feel accomplished. "I've had my life saved and it's time to return the favor," Sergeant Lind said. "I've got to do something with my life and it has to be fast-paced. I'm excited to have the chance to go, there's no downtime and I need to be constantly going." Before he becomes a parajumper, Sergeant Lind must go through one of the toughest training programs in the military; a two and a half-year physical and mental regime, commonly referred to as the "pipeline" or "superman school," which boasts a more than 85 percent drop-out rate. Just to be accepted into PJ school, Sergeant Lind had to pass a grueling physical test. Called the Physical Ability Stamina Test, or PAST, applicants must complete two 20 meter underwater swims, a 500 meter swim in less than 14 minutes; run a mile and a half in less than 10:30, complete 50 sit ups, push-ups and flutter kicks, as well as a pull up routine, all in succession. The intensity of the program is something Sergeant Lind has prepared for over the years and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Master Sgt. Bill Lockard, the 9th LRS fuels distribution section chief and Sergeant Lind's supervisor, witnessed some of Sergeant Lind's training first hand. "It's not unusual to see him running to and from work with a backpack on," Sergeant Lockard said. "We've also gone biking together for 25-35 miles and during his spare time he goes to a local pool and swims hundreds of meters. He also regularly drops for 50 push-ups during the duty day. I believe he will surpass the physical requirements of the school." The support from his supervisors and friends has really helped Sergeant Lind stay motivated and strengthen his desire to succeed. "I've received so much support from everyone," Sergeant Lind said. "I wouldn't have been able to do this without all the help from counselors and friends. Self-motivation only takes you so far. People like Lt. Col. Todd Craigie at Laughlin AFB [Texas], have been pushing me physically to prepare. They're as excited as I am." Sergeant Lockard, speaking from experience, expanded on why he though Sergeant Lind would be a great parajumper. "Sergeant Lind has an inner drive to accomplish any tasks he puts his mind to," the sergeant said. "During my time as a recruiter I put many young Airmen into this career field and he is by far the most prepared I've ever met; he simply does not quit." Parajumpers live by the motto, "That others may live." According to Sergeant Lind, they're designed and bred to never give up on someone who needs help. Whether in peacetime or wartime PJs follow their creed and "save lives and aide the injured." Satisfaction and fulfillment are two things the sergeant is hoping to gain out of this experience. Knowing that he'd saved someone's life and they got to go home to their families is his goal after training. "I am losing a front-line supervisor, mentor and trainer," Sergeant Lockard said. "However, the PJ career field is gaining a well-qualified NCO ready to lead. In the end the Air Force is in a good position re-training him into a field where Sergeant Lind not only has the desire to serve, but also has the need for qualified members. His inner desire will help him perform his duties regardless of the circumstances or situation and ultimately succeed."