There were some tense moments for participants in a suicide prevention program that involves static round parachute jumps for veterans and first responders. During a recent course, the lines on two chutes tangled and the participants, one active duty Marine and one active duty Army, needed teamwork to get back on the ground safely. They were taking part in a program sponsored by a group called 22Mohawks, which holds weeklong sessions that end with the participants certified in round canopy parachuting and better able to face potential mental health challenges that can arise from their lines of work. The jump airplane is Tico Belle, a well-known Florida-based C-47 operated by the Valiant Air Command. Video is below and there’s some strong language in it.
“The idea is that we bring vets and first responders to go through parachute training and while they are there they go through suicide prevention training, peer support, yoga, and some other activities that build community and remind them who they are,” said 22Mohawks founder Dave Campisano. “We are trying to get in front of the crisis before there is one and all these jumpers can come back every course to jump and see their buddies.”
They’re cool… Caterpillars for life!
They handled this very nicely–analyzed the situation–didn’t do anything stupid like attempting a cutaway–discussed deploying the reserve (and rejecting it–a chance at fouling the mains–reminded to do a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall). Now–go out and jump again–don’t let this trauma live inside you!
Way to stay calm and handle the situation.