WEST KINGSTON, R.I. - ‘One Minute!’ echoes throughout the CH-47 Chinook as the paratroopers pass along the signal given by the jumpmaster. A team of four paratroopers makes their way to the rear of the helicopter.
‘Thirty seconds!’ echoes through the aircraft as the drop zone approaches. The paratrooper in front steps out closer to the edge.
“Go! Go! Go! Go!” says the jumpmaster before the four men disappear off the edge of the ramp. Then suddenly four parachutes reappear as the men descend the fifteen hundred feet to the drop zone.
The team set out to have a successful jump, but they also are competing in an international airborne competition, Leapfest.
Retired 1st Sgt. Robert Perry, a Leapfest founder, said the event was formed to inspire camaraderie of the international airborne community.
In the early 60s and 70s there were many parachute competitions sprinkled throughout the country, Perry stated. Perry and a few others wondered, “Why can’t we have a parachute competition in Rhode Island?”
“We needed a reason to start the Rhode Island competition,” said Perry. “Our first goal in our operations order was to inspire camaraderie of airborne troopers from around the world.”
Throughout the years Leapfest became very diverse, with a wide range of countries attending the event. Teams from places like Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa attended Leapfest.
“Leapfest is a time to get with our international brothers and spread the esprit de corps of the airborne community internationally,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Allen, Det. 1, 165th Quarter Master Company.
“It’s a bonding experience,” Allen added. “I’ve known some of them from the last time. I’ve made friends with some of the British guys.”
British Army Lance Bombardier John Entwistle, of the 21st Air Assault Battery, 47th Regiment Royal Artillery, said that Leapfest is his, “Best military experience.”
Capt. Mvuyisi T. Veleko, of the 44th Parachute Regiment, South Africa, said that Leapfest has been an eye opener. During his time at Leapfest, he said he has learned a lot. Veleko continued by saying it’s a privilege to attend Leapfest.
“Never landed so soft in my career,” Veleko said. He was pleased with the MC-6 parachutes. He continued to say that everything was smooth. Leapfest is definitely something he would recommend.
South African Army Col. Adrian Schofman, 44th Parachute Brigade, said how he was impressed with Leapfest’s high level of quality. Schofman continued to say how he found jumping out of a CH-47 Chinook a unique experience. “It was very pleasant meeting other comrades,” Schofman said.
“Fantastic!” was Italian Army Pierluigi Schintu take on Leapfest. He said he enjoyed making comrades and that attending Leapfest is an honor.
Perry said that he is pleased to see how Leapfest has blossomed and hopes for it grows bigger.
“I was one of the 10 people that started [Leapfest], it’s hard to put into words,” Perry said with a smile. “It’s a legacy I will leave to my grandchildren.”
| Date Taken: | 08.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2015 11:07 |
| Story ID: | 173464 |
| Location: | WEST KINGSTON, RI, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Leapfest lands in Rhode Island, by 2LT Kaidian Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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