In Kandahar, Afghanistan, Master Sergeant Duane Hayes kneels on a rocky hill at sunset.
Jared McGilliard | courtesy of National Geographic Channel
Hayes is a pararescuman, or “PJ,” assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron stationed in Afghanistan. The program centers on their final two weeks of deployment, on and off the battlefield, before the men head back to the United States.
“When I get home it will just be awesome,” says Hayes early in the show. “I’m looking forward to waking up and seeing my wife and seeing the kids react the way they do in the mornings, being cute.”
As their days in Afghanistan dwindle down, home seems that much closer and that much further away for the soldiers. When the Taliban detonate a motorcycle bomb near Kandahar city injuring 10 civilians, the PJs take to the air to rescue a U.S. serviceman who has lost three limbs and is quickly losing blood.
“There’s no denying the reality. Not everyone makes it home from this war,” Hayes adds.
Hayes, who is still on active duty, is now at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga. His parents are Margaret and Bill Hayes of Milan.