KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE -- In the hearts of those who knew him, Capt. Joel Gentz lives on—not just as a fallen Airman, but as a brother, a leader, and a selfless warrior who embodied the heart of the rescue mission.
As the 58th Rescue Squadron prepares for inactivation this June, Gentz’s story takes on even greater meaning. His legacy—etched in the memories of those who served alongside him—will continue to echo across the Pararescue community and here at Kirtland Air Force Base, where his memorial will soon take its place in the halls of the PJ Schoolhouse.
Capt. Gentz was killed in action June 09, 2010, during a mission in Afghanistan. His death left a hole in the team, but his memory became a rallying point for the men and women who carry on the mission: “That Others May Live.”
“Joel was always a fun-loving goofball,” said his mother, Judy Gentz. “His imagination was incredible. As a kid, he had the Davy Crockett movie memorized and would correct us if we got the lines wrong. But even as an adult in combat zones, that goofiness stayed with him. He knew when people needed a laugh—and he delivered.”
To honor him, the squadron created Joel’s Place—a heritage room inside the 58th RQS at Nellis AFB. It’s more than a quiet lounge. It’s a space where Airmen gather to unwind, remember, and draw strength from the legacy of the officer who never saw himself as above the team—just part of it.
“Every time Joel’s name is said, he’s alive in our memories,” said Judy. “For Gold Star families, that’s everything. Having a place at Kirtland where people can share stories over a cold beer means his spirit stays with the team.”
That spirit will soon have a new home. On April 23, 2025, Capt. Gentz’s memorial box—filled with personal mementos and symbols of his service—was relocated from the 58th RQS to the Pararescue Museum inside the PJ Schoolhouse at Kirtland. There, it will become part of the training environment that shapes future generations of Pararescuemen.
The move represents more than the end of an era for the 58th RQS—it’s a continuation of Gentz’s impact. His story, enshrined at the schoolhouse, will remain a beacon for the Airmen learning to save lives under fire, just as he did.
“Joel didn’t think he was better than anyone else,” said Judy. “Even as an officer, he never shied away from the grunt work. He respected everyone on his team.”
Though Joel’s Place will eventually close its doors with the squadron’s inactivation, the bond built within those walls will carry forward. Gentz’s story will live on in the conversations shared during quiet moments, the laughter that breaks tension, and the weight of responsibility felt by every new PJ who walks the halls of the schoolhouse.
“Joel chose Pararescue over pilot training because he wanted to save people,” said Judy. “He stepped in for an injured CRO because he cared about his team. When I last talked to him on Mother’s Day, he was excited to finally be headed to the front lines where he could put his training to use. That was who he was—always looking out for others.”
After his deployments, Joel dreamed of going to medical school. He wanted to keep saving lives. Though that dream was cut short, his mission continues through the Airmen who train, serve, and fight in his memory.
“Freedom isn’t free—you all know that,” Judy said. “But even in tragedy, there are lessons. Joel lived each day with purpose. That’s what I hope others take from his story: Live fully, love deeply, and make your time count.”
Capt. Joel Gentz’s memory is now woven into the very fabric of Kirtland Air Force Base. His name will echo through classrooms, hangars, and flightlines—spoken not just by those who served beside him, but by future generations inspired by his example.
With the inactivation of the 58th Rescue Squadron, what remains is more than a history of valor—it’s a lasting imprint of character and sacrifice. Gentz embodies that legacy, reminding us all of the courage behind every mission.
Though his memorial now stands at the Pararescue Schoolhouse, his impact reaches far beyond. His spirit endures—in the selfless actions of every Pararescueman, in every life saved, and in every vow to never leave a teammate behind.