Mama Paratrooper Training

My friend Ernest Robl provided these pictures of my adventure. I did some “training” where the 82nd Airborne trains at Fort Bragg. This was made possible on a day trip during Travel Media Showcase 2006. It was held that year in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I don’t know how these guys and gals jump out of airplanes. I know I was very scared and I had a few false starts before I was able to get myself to jump.

But, I finally jumped. There’s just something unnatural about stepping off into air. I’ve done all my firefighter training and like to do adventurous things, but jumping without any tension in a line is just downright scary. I was so glad after those first four seconds had passed and I felt the safety of the line.

It’s a good thing I went to the bathroom before I jumped, because I would have peed in my pants otherwise.

I didn’t just jump from this tower, but spend a day going through maneuvers, shooting an automatic rifle, and the Colonel even said I had great aim (so don’t mess with me).

To our men and women who jump out of airplanes and such for our freedom…..I salute you. You are some very brave people. And now, I have satisfied my curiosity and know that I will never desire to bungee jump.

Special thanks to the 82nd Airborne for your support during this adventure. I looked super-goofy, but appreciate the assistance with all the gear.