We believe everyone deserves options
The Jolly Pedro Swag Shop is the culmination of years of hard fought market share and lessons learned in the squadron swag market. While there are many individual companies doing unit lithos, or patches, or apparel… there is extremely limited options for a one-stop squadron swag shop.
The Jolly Pedro truly hopes to remedy that by providing a space where the unit Snacko can place all their swag needs in one spot. Are we the largest company? Absolutely not, but what we lack in size, we make up for in quality products and determination to be the market leader in this industry. With low overhead costs, we can continue to bring value where the other “big” shops cannot. We provide high quality products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
We are here to help you. Have an idea? A crude sketch? A fuzzy dream? Leave it to us and we will render your designs and dreams into real-life quality products that would make any squadron proud!
Our products are carefully curated to meet the demanding needs of your unit. We are familiar with Service Heraldry requirements and make our products to meet their exacting standards.
Why the Jolly Pedro?
So what’s in a name? During the Vietnam War, U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue crews cemented their prestigious legacy by flying further and longer into hostile enemy territory to bring home downed airmen. Originally flying the HH-43 Huskies under the call-sign “Pedro”, and later the HH-3 Jolly Green Giants under the call-sign “Jolly Green” these crews quickly gained favor with their fighter pilot brethren as they knew that no matter the cost, a crew would be sent out to find them should they go down… anywhere, anytime.
The large green helicopters coming into rescue downed airmen in Vietnam often left two large impressions where their rotors had beaten the vegetation into submission. As the helicopters departed it was noticed that these two impressions looked like rather large footprints, and hence the Jolly Green Giant and the two green footprints became synonymous with Air Force Rescue. The arrival of the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant continued the stereotype.
In every conflict since Vietnam, the “Jolly” and “Pedro” callsigns have been trademarks of these brave crews willing to risk it all… “That Others May Live.” Apart from combat, USAF rescue units with their helos, PJs, & CROs have performed thousands of civil-search and rescue operations around the world saving countless lives.
The founder, Sean Hampton, started his aviation career with USAF Rescue as an HH-60G Pave Hawk crew chief. He wanted to pay homage to his rescue roots with the company. The blending of call-signs and imagery of the “Jollys” and “Pedros” came easily and it was like it was always meant to be! Sean would later transition to an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief with the New Mexico Air National Guard “Tacos” before separating after ten years of service. He continues work in aviation as an artist and staff design engineer with a major defense contractor. He is also an artist member of the American Society of Aviation Artists.
Sean has been an artist his whole life, drawing and painting aircraft since he was able to hold a pencil. He formed his litho company, Afterburner Profiles, in 2008 and quickly began designing patches, coins, and other swag for units worldwide. Many units often complained of the lack of a one-stop shop where they could order everything, hence the creation of the Jolly Pedro. With manufacturing contacts and networks in place, it was finally time to expand into a full-service shop.
