Interview with retired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent and United States Air Force Pararescue Specialist

Tim Schoonmaker Pararescue Years of Service: 1983-2005
DEA Special Agent: 1992-2017

In this interview, Tim discusses not just his search for excitement but excitement with service. Tim describes what a United States Air Force Pararescue Specialist does and what makes them different from other Special Forces operators. Tim discusses the continuous training needed to be a Pararescue Specialist and some situations he had to be prepared for. 

Tim then talks about why he joined the DEA and the beginning of his career. Tim reflects on why the supervisors with the DEA were good and what requirements made a good Special Agent for the DEA. 

Part 1 focuses on Tim's time while stationed in the Portland Office and later when he is transferred to the Bolivia Country Office.