USAF 57th RQS / Pararescue / Guardian Angel / Aviano Patch

USAF 57th Rescue Squadron / Pararescue / Guardian Angel / Aviano PVC Patch

Made in 2018 for the crew of the 57th RQS in Aviano AB, Italy.

The history of this patch may have to do with one of the toughest searches in the collection. This piece was made exclusively for the inaugural event of the 57th RQS transfer from RAF Lakenheath, UK to the Aviano, Italy and used for first time at the Realignment Ceremony where the 56th and 57th RQS were officially recognized as part of the Aviano Base on June 14th of 2018. That day, the OG Commander jumped out of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with the help of the two Rescue Squadrons. After landing, he passed the SQ flag completing the final step of realigning the squadrons to Aviano. 

Designed by one of the team's PJs, this patch was made in quantities less than 100 units ( In fact it is said that only 57 of them were made even if it looks like a ridiculous number, to honor the squadron). After months of failed communications with the commander of the unit and several officers, pilots, maintainers, gunners, etc. and after a year of asking if they could donate a single piece for the collection, all the answers were identical: "Dear colleague, the PJ's of the 57th did not give a single patch to anyone. Not even exchanging for another or even paying for it!" The reality is that this group of Pararescuemen was so jealous of this wonderful design, they literally kept it for themselves and very few direct friends of the team and did not give it to anyone in the base, causing up to certain resentments with some direct associates within the squadron who did not take this action with too much gratitude. 

A year and a half of intense contacts with different people close to the base paid off and I was able to get 3 pieces of this wonderful and unique design that truly reflects the spirit of these men by reflecting their capabilities in the air, sea or land in this beautiful design. Truly almost impossible to achieve but luckily added to the collection as a reference to the future of the history of this unit.

As far as we know it was only used during the first month of the 57th RQS in Aviano and we do not know if it is still in use today. One of my favorite patches in the collection for sure!

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