CadetStuff::Activities::Do They REALLY Sky-dive in the ACA?

[ Home ] [ Forums ] [ Wiki ] [ CadetLife ] [ Archives ] [ Activities ] [ Aerospace ] [ Drill ] [ Ethics ] [ Features ] [ Leadership ] [ Links ] [ News & Events ] [ Profiles ] [ Resources ] [ Store ]

CadetStuff.org:

the independent cadet program resource

April 2008
February 2008
September 2007
June 2007
March 2007
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006

May be copied as-is for Cadet training purposes with appropriate citation. All other rights reserved.

CadetStuff.org: powered by
Movable Type 2.6

Printer friendly version.

Do They REALLY Sky-dive in the ACA?

CadetStuff

Special to CadetStuff.org

Do They REALLY Sky-dive in the ACA?

Yes... No... GOSH!

The owner of Skydive Williston, a popular drop zone in central Florida, is an Army veteran. The former sergeant was once as "Hooah!" as any other Soldier, yet she decided to leave the service at the end of her commitment. It wasn't until several years later when she came across a group of gung-ho Cadets of the American Cadet Alliance (ACA) that she was reminded of the esprit de corps which exists within the military's most tightly-knit units.

While skydiving is recognized by the ACA, it is not an official ACA activity. So, six Officers and Cadets gathered, on their own time to complete ground school in preparation for their United States Parachute Association (USPA) approved "First Jump" program. Jumping, rolling and wondering were the topics of the day. Rain, high winds and more than a bit of apprehension would keep the (not-so) fearless crew from jumping on the day of training.

ACA Basic Parachutist Wings
For Cadets and Officers who complete a First Jump Course, which includes a Static Line Jump.

Despite several weeks of delays due to the unpredictable Florida weather, four of the six have now earned the coveted Basic Parachutist wings of the American Cadet Alliance. Naval Cadets Senior Chief Petty Officer (Parachutist / Diver) Joseph M. Land, Jr., 16, of Chiefland, Florida and Petty Officer Second Class (Parachutist / Diver) Carrera A. Blum, 16, of St. Petersburg, Florida have made their jump, earning their wings. (Both are now "dual-qualified" having both jump wings and SCUBA certification). CDR Joseph M. Land, Sr., ACA's National Chief of Staff and MAJ Bill MacDonald, Commanding Officer, Military Cadets of Fort Stewart have also completed the program.

Yes, the ACA will recognize those personnel who complete sky-diving and SCUBA certification; however, these two programs cannot be scheduled as official ACA activities, due to insurance concerns. There are only a dozen or so drop zones which will allow sixteen and seventeen year-olds to jump, based on approved USPA standards. ACA Cadets are the only sixteen and seventeen year-olds who can qualify at Skydive Williston; therefore, less than a dozen Cadets have their wings.

For Cadet PO2(PJ/DV) Blum, the event was life-changing.

Cadet Blum's Excellent Adventure

In keeping with parachuting tradition, Cadet PO3(PJ/DV) Blum is presented with her ACA Basic Parachutist Wings by MSG Crawford, a member of the legendary 'Band of Brothers', in his WWII-era uniform.

(Official ACA Photo by ENS Gerald Blum, USNCC).

"LIFE OR DEATH" By C/PO3(PJ/DV) Carrera A. Blum, USNCC

"How would you like to go skydiving with a few of your friends?" My dad asked me. I thought to myself, "Hey, why not, I've got nothing to lose." A couple of weeks went by, and I received a phone call from Skydive Williston, telling me that a date had been set for our skydiving adventure. I set my calendar, and prepared for the experience of a lifetime!

The first time that our group arrived at Skydive Williston Airpark, the weather was perfect for a jump. As we went through our ground training, which consisted of: The area that we would be jumping in; How to pack a parachute; Dangers of skydiving; And how to handle yourself so that such "dangers" would not occur and more. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready to jump,the weather had gone from "Clear and Sunny" to "Rain and Wind."

So we decided to try it again on another weekend. Yet again, the weather got the best of us and forced to once again reschedule.

Finally a day arrived that was "Clear and Windy". Unfortunately, none of my friends could join me on this day. Hopefully the wind would stay calm enough to jump. As I reached the Airpark, my stomach took a little jump of it's own, straight to my throat!

After the e-vehicle was parked, I was taken into the hanger, and re-briefed of my prior ground training. Soon enough, it was time to suit up and suck it up. I was given a bright yellow jumpsuit to wear (I think they did that so that anyone on the ground could see me if took a wrong turn). I was then fitted with my parachute, helmet and goggles and it was off to the plane with the Pilot and my Instructor.

The ride up was no problem, it felt like a walk in the park. I figured "Hey, it's not that bad, I can do this" ... then the door opened. I looked out and down, I felt my stomach try to jump out of my throat. My instructor hooked me up, and told the Pilot to cut the power. The last thing my Instructor said to me was "Left foot out, left arm out...GO!" it took longer than I expected. On my way out, I slipped and performed two backflips in the air! The trip down was quite peaceful and very scenic. The ground Instructor on the radio gave instructions as to when to make turns. I made it down safely however I had a bit of an awkward landing, but no injuries.

If you are looking for a challenge, trust me, this experience was definitely a challenge. All in all, it was an outstanding way to spend my weekend!! HOO-YA!!!!