About The Mission
Prepare to witness an extraordinary collaboration between four current and former U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue Specialists (PJs), along with entrepreneur, adventurist, and philanthropist, Larry Connor, as they join forces to unite their strengths and embark on a remarkable mission known as the Alpha 5 Project, all in the spirit of raising funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
This extraordinary world record jump serves as a tribute to showcase the remarkable skills and technical prowess of America’s PJs—the most elite combat search and rescue operators in the military— highlighting their unwavering commitment to saving lives in hostile and remote environments.
The Alpha 5 Project is not just a jump— this mission was created to highlight the invaluable work carried out by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). SOWF honors fallen Special Operations Personnel, and all Medal of Honor Recipients, by providing comprehensive educational opportunities to their children, “cradle to career,” preschool through college, while also providing immediate financial support to wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Personnel. This record-setting jump serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of those in the Special Operations community while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great Nation.
To break the existing world record for the highest HALO formation skydive, the team will ascend to an altitude of 35,000 feet using a specially designed balloon. From there, they will link arms and form a five-person formation before safely separating and landing. A representative from Guinness World Records will be present to assess and validate the record-setting achievement.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the exceptional capabilities of America’s PJs and the enduring mission of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of our Nation’s heroes and ensure a bright future for their children.
The Alpha 5 Project will take place at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, within the jump window of September 15 to October 15.
100% of funds raised will go directly to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, supporting their mission of “Honoring the Legacy of America’s Finest.”
To learn more about SOWF and the families we serve, visit specialops.org.
The Alpha 5 Team

Larry Connor
Team Captain

CMSgt. Brandon Daugherty
Jumper, Alpha 5 Lead

MSgt. Rob Dieguez
Jump Master, Advanced Free Fall Instructor

CMSgt. (Ret) Chris Lais
Jumper, Medic

MSgt. (Ret) Jimmy Petrolia
Jumper, Advanced Free Fall Instructor
Support the Families of America's Finest

Who We Support
Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) provides full educations and additional educational opportunities, “cradle to career” (preschool – college), for the surviving children of Special Operations Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps) lost in the line of duty as well as children of all Medal of Honor Recipients. SOWF also provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Personnel — today and in the future.
Expanded eligibility to include active-duty Special Operations Personnel who have lost a spouse – this recognizes the critical role spouses play in the lives of our families. These children will now receive the same benefits as all other children in SOWF’s educational programs.
By The Numbers
As of 12 SEP 23.



