Frank
has not jumped using square canopy before so did the
beginners course.
£500 was raised by frank and others for this
event, Well done frank
I would like everyone to feel,
that they have contributed in
everyway
possible.
Frank
right frank
The Need for Combat Stress in
today's world
Since the end of World War 2, the vast majority of
the British People have known nothing but peace. But it's been a very
different story for the men and women of our armed forces. Time and
again, they have been in the front line defending Britain's interests.
In Brunei, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaya, the Falklands and the Gulf. More
recently, they have played a central peace keeping role in the Balkans,
Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and elsewhere. And closer to home,
many thousands have been involved during the thirty year long campaign
in Northern Ireland, an operation that has perhaps been the most
difficult and dangerous of all.
Each of these conflicts, without exception, has resulted in
psychiatric casualties. And for many who are affected, the problems may
take years, perhaps decades to surface.
The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, Combat Stress, exists to
serve these men and women. For over 80 years, we have been the only
services charity specialising in helping those of all ranks from the
Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy suffering from psychological
disability as a result of their service.
_________________________________________________________
, by
Steven Blacketer Pathfinder USA Sep.2007
Ed. Steve was unable to make any of our course dates and wanted to
jump in Europe so I contacted Gunther and he put him on a course he
had running at that time.
The Fallschirmjager
Kameradenschaft - Kaiserslautern most generously made a
place in their ranks for a Pathfinder USA member during the "Squares
course"at the National Paracentrum of the Netherlands at Teuge .
FJK is one of our associated groups, functionally "Pathfinder
Germany", and is under the direction of Gunther Kiefer. "Gunnie"
managed, on this occasion, to handle not only the shepherding of a
student class through the squares course, but also brought a sizable
contingent of FJK Members with him to participate in the 25km
"Airborne March" at Arnhem. Both efforts were addressed, and both
were fully accomplished with the high degree of skill and style that
characterizes FJK.
The 5 member student class was
a very motivated group, and completed the ground section and all
five of the qualification jumps in excellent time, which is a
notable achievement when one considers the event took place in the
middle of the "Dutch Swoops" event at Lake Busloon. Student Jumpers
and Expert Swoopers shared the C-208, jumping in wildly varying
cloud base. Orchestrating this complex juggling act of matching
skills, goals, and weather, was Simon Woerlee. Simon, for those who
have not had the pleasure of meeting him, is an exceptional
individual, and watching him work leaves one with the impression
that his cell phone is a direct line to God. I don't believe even
one gap in the clouds went un-jumped.
All five new wearers of the Nederlandische
Fallschirmspringer Abziechen found the class to be a fulfillment of
an ambition, and a great pleasure. Two of the Students were using
this course to "celebrate" the completion of advanced training they
had undergone as members of the Berlin Police Force. In addition to
the camaraderie and attendant beer drinking at "De Wolk", The
Membership of the FJK was treated to an astonishing display of
Marksmanship by a young woman of the Dutch Military Police. In an
attempt to engage the attention of a particular FJK member, she
heaved an apple across the bar, through the milling crowd, and
bounced it squarely off of his forehead. This remarkable snap shot
had to be seen to be believed ...and not a drop of beer was spilled.
My thanks to the Fallschirmjager Kameradschaft,
to Gunni, and the Entire Crew at Teuge for there efforts,
friendship, and the warm welcome they have given to us... These guys
are terrific, and if you have the opportunity to jump with them,
take it!
Steven Blacketer Pathfinder USA
Ed. Teueg has less wind than Texel
with more chances of getting the round canopy jumps in. We will be
looking towards attending more courses there in future.
