Former Air Force Pararescueman recognized for heroic high-angle mountain rescue in Alaska.
At Tribalco Rescue, we are proud to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our team members—especially when those achievements reflect the courage, skill, and dedication that define the rescue community.
This week, Tribalco’s Lead Instructor and former United States Air Force Pararescueman (PJ), Adam Brister, was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross during ceremonies at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to U.S. Air Force personnel for extraordinary achievement or heroism while participating in aerial flight. Authorized by Congress in 1926, the very first recipient was Charles Lindbergh in 1927, following his historic solo transatlantic flight.
Honored for Heroism in Alaska
Adam received the honor for an extraordinary act of valor on June 23, 2018, in the rugged Neacola Mountains while serving with the Alaska Air National Guard.
His rescue crew was tasked with saving a severely injured climber who had fallen nearly 100 feet and was left suspended by rope on a 5,500-foot cliff face. Extreme weather conditions prevented a direct hoist rescue, forcing Adam to be inserted onto a glacier below the victim.
From there, he climbed an adjacent snow couloir toward the stranded climber.
When a brief break in the cloud deck appeared, the helicopter crew returned and attempted a night high-angle hoist. With visibility extremely limited, the aircraft was operating at the edge of its power limit, and its rotor blades were just three feet from the cliff face.
Adam was hoisted 90 feet to a narrow five-inch platform on the cliff.
In a remarkable display of strength and precision, he lifted the weighted rope holding the climber and secured the unconscious patient into his own rescue harness. During the hoist, severe turbulence caused the rope to become dangerously entangled. Holding the patient securely, Adam cut the fouled line—an action that saved both the survivor and the helicopter crew.
Throughout the flight back to safety, he provided advanced life-saving medical care to the injured climber.
A Special Ceremony
The award was presented by Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana, following his address to a joint session of the state legislature. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and colleagues from the 212th Rescue Squadron, where Adam previously served.
Also present were State Representative Lauren Ventrella, Adam’s wife, and their daughter Vivian.
Adam’s wife shared a moving reflection on the moment:
“Watching my husband be pinned by the Governor with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism was something I will never forget. I am so proud of the man he is and the way he serves others every single day.”
– Lauren Ventrella
Pride Across the Tribalco Team
At Tribalco Rescue, Adam brings the same professionalism, humility, and dedication to our students that he demonstrated during that rescue mission in Alaska.
His experience as a Pararescueman and his commitment to teaching others how to save lives continue to inspire everyone who trains with us.
We are honored to have him as part of the Tribalco team—and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of his heroism.