Is this guy the Real Thing?

[Marauder]

Hello, everyone. I came across this when I was cruising the web, and wanted to know if the individual below was a BTDT, or if he's trying to blow smoke up everyone's arse. Now, to me, this isn't quite the forum (a Bombay gin fanpage, as it were) to be announcing that you are/were with SF just for chits and grins. So, to reiterate, is he legit?

From: JoeAndrzejewski@cs.com
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 09:39:55 EDT
Dear Perry: Nice site. I was made aware of it by a friend who imbibes at my favorite watering hole. I've been a Bombay Sapphire aficionado since the early 90's while on active duty with the US Army Special Forces. The smoothness of chilled Bombay Sapphire is unforgettable. The local watering hole changed ownership some time ago, and as the regulars were queried (by the new management)as to what they'd like to see added to the liquor menu,I unhesitantly recommended Bombay Sapphire. Of course, I also told them that it should stay in the cooler, and served chilled. The rest, as they say, is history. If you ever get to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, come to Ott's at Lena's Cafe. Ask for Gonzo. I'll buy you a few.
Regards,
Joe aka Gonzo

While we're kind of one the topic, anyone have a decent Bombay mix recipe? Any Rogue fans know how Demo likes his done?
Thanks as always, gents.

Marauder
********************************************* Never sleep with anyone crazier than yourself

[Sharky]

Sounds like he's read one too many "Sharkman of the delta", "Demo Dick" books to me. Who knows.

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F.I.D.O.

[FutureRanger2000]

*sigh* Another one from Cherry Hill. Lena's Cafe is about 5 miles from my house, but I don't think Ott's is a part of it. I am pretty sure Ott's is a few miles from there. I can find out if this guy is ex-SF or not, no problem. May take a little while though. If I know Lena's Cafe, it's a haven for angry, broke drunks. Some lady ran her car into it a few times a couple years ago for some reason. It may have changed though. Ott's is a pretty good resurant though. Great home fries. Anyway, I'll report back ASAP.

[This message has been edited by FutureRanger2000 (edited 12-03-2000).]

[whisky8]

I like using Bombay for my Gin Martinis...

W8

[This message has been edited by whisky8 (edited 08-29-2001).]

[Swat1]

Interesting, While deployed to Haiti for Operation Uphold/Restore Democracy I was Opconned to ODA352 in Ouanaminthe for a couple of weeks and the team medic was a guy called Gonzo with a first name of Joe, I know his last name was one of those "alphabet" ones so this could be him, but who knows. I have no idea what the actual last name was just that it was long. He was hilarious. He was HALO qual'd and a really great guy. Ended up treating a laceration I received while conducting an operation on "market day" at the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Some of my best ever no shit stories came from that mission. Ohh those were the days ---

Swat1*

[This message has been edited by Swat1 (edited 12-03-2000).]

[Frog]

Sounds like the same Joe Andrzejewski that now works for a British owned company which makes our Boat jump Platforms. While I cannot verify his former SF status for sure, I had no reason to doubt him when he was indroduced to me as such(this was 3 years ago). I give him a thumbs up. How many ex SF guys have a last name like that??

[SolidStrike]

FutureRanger, I used to live in Cherry Hill. Been in Mount Holly now for about 9 years though. What HS ya go to?

[Tracy]

I knew a Major Andrzejewski about 15 years ago. Joe Andrzejewski sounds familiar; but CRS is taking its toll...

[Marauder]

Thanks one and all for your replies. From the sounds of it this gent is likely the real thing. Sounds great, cause if he really was an 18D, I would like to ask him a few Q's.
I will, however, hold off until FutureRanger gets the real HUMINT.
Til next time,
Marauder

[FutureRanger2000]

I asked a few people if they knew anyone at Lena's that might know this guy, and they said that the bar is frequented by a lot of ex-military types. It's a possibility that this guy is ex-SF. The only person with truly reliable info is my Mom, and she hasn't been there in 10 years, so who knows?

[Scotty]

The only thing I've seen Dick put in his Bombay is ice. Maybe more Bombay.

Scotty

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Some people call them "terrorists", these boys have simply been misguided

[MFFI 448]

swat1.... what city were you staying in in haiti, and when were you there....

[Swat1]

I was the CI team leader from January - April 1995 in Cap Hatien up north. I ended up all over the northern area including Leborne, Limbe, Ouanaminthe, Gonaive etc. I was deployed to Gonaive on a couple of occasions. I was only in Port au Prince for a couple of days, arriving and leaving country.

Swat1*

[Daredevil]

Bombay Sapphire

Man, you guys must be aristocrats!

[This message has been edited by Daredevil (edited 08-29-2001).]

[Jatekos]

Originally posted by RussPreston:
I knew "Captain A" when he was stationed in Berlin. He is unquestionably one of the finest SF officers I've ever met. I'd go to war w/him any day.

Russ, you're correct. He was my team leader for awhile and we all loved him dearly. He was/is a character. Actually, we had to always keep an eye on him because HE was the one getting in trouble most of the time. As usual, the good ones get passed by and end up leaving the service. He may color his stories a little but he's BTDT.

[Kamikaze]

Future Ranger... Do you go to Cherry Hill High School West or East???

[FutureRanger2000]

Kamikaze, I went to Cherry Hill High School West (GO LIONS!!!!!)from 1998-2000, and then left because of my illness. I still have a lot of freinds that go there, and a few friends that go to East(Cougars). If I may ask, how did you know the names of the 2 Cherry Hill High schools?

[Kamikaze]

PENNSAUKEN HIGH BABY!!!! GO INDIANS!!!
I'm running back for them. BTW... do you happen to know someone by the name of Dennis Enoch?

[Kamikaze]

Well I don't play Football any more... I do Band... Pennsauken High has one of the best Marching Bands in the East Coast! Many consider us as beening as good and some of those DCI bands. I'm Bass Drummer # 5 one of the Biggest Drums out there!
Here's our site: http://www.members.home.net/wfinnegan/PHSMarchingBand.html
you can go there and listen to our MP3 songs and stuff... See if you can pick me out ;-)

O yea did anyone happen to know Matt Henkel? He was a member in the Band 2 years ago. He was in the Military when he aparently died of heat related causes.

[colmurph]

Tell you what. I'm from Cherry Hill, NJ too so I'll pop over to the bar in question and drop my coin on him to see what his response is. Now if he hits me back with his coin who's going to help me pay for all the booze?
In case you wonder, my SFA membership No. is D-6088L.

[colmurph]

BTW there IS a place listed in the yellow pages as "Otts-Lenas Cafe" at 1171 Chapel Ave. Cherry Hill, NJ with a PN: 856-661-1122.
I'll report back to you when I find him.

Murph

[Kamikaze]

[QUOTE]BTW there IS a place listed in the yellow pages as "Otts-Lenas Cafe" at 1171 Chapel Ave. Cherry Hill, NJ with a PN: 856-661-1122.
I'll report back to you when I find him.[QUOTE]

Yea there is... I've only passed by it once on my way down to BJs.

[Jatekos]

Murph,

Listen to Russ. Just buy him a drink and you'll save a lot of embarrassment and money. He's got more miles in a HALO rig than you do on foot http://www.socnetcentral.com/ubboard/smile.gif

[Sharky]

Wouldn't count on that. From what I've read from him at that communist sight, military.com, ColMurph was in SF when you fuckers were in grade school....LOL

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F.I.D.O.

[Jeff Rambo]

Welcome aboard, Sir.

[Ace]

Originally posted by Sharky:
Wouldn't count on that. From what I've read from him at that communist sight, military.com, ColMurph was in SF when you fuckers were in grade school....LOL


Not bustin' balls or anything, but, that has yet to be proven.



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If one's words are no better than silence, one should keep silent.

[Greenhat]

Colonel Murph,

Waiting for you to make a visit to BKK and have a brew or two...

[E19]

Joe Andrzejewski is for real. He's a retired SF Major and a member of SFA.

[This message has been edited by E19 (edited 09-01-2001).]

[colmurph]

Went down to Lenas last night and missed him by about 20 minutes. Goot the straight scoop from one of the bartenders (decent looking blond) who told me he's got the coins and all. Left a business card and my cell phone No. for him to call so we can go out and chug a few brews and tell lies. From what I'm told by the folks who know him he's the real deal. Doesn't talk much about himself. As for how long I've been around, during my career I've known such luminaries as Charlie Ferguson, Marion Spicer (My team daddy when I commanded A-14 in B Co. 3d SFG), Francis Ruddy, used to sky dive with Henry Belton (got him in my first log book from 1966), made bootleg jumps with Bobby Richardson down at Raeford. All these guys made Center CSM eventually, gr8 NCO's.
Quick up-date. While I was typing this post Joe calloed me on my cell-phone so we'll meet for a few brews on Wednesday. He works for a Parachute Mfg. Co. in Pennsauken, NJ.

Murph

[colmurph]

Before I started jumping T-10's I was jumping a 28' flat circular Air Force C-11 canopy with double L's and a doghouse. Started jumping with Steve Snyder (D-5) at Burlington County Airport. Back in those days we used a sleeve instead of a deployment bag and I went to using a double pilot chute rig because I was getting burbles (Hesitations) where the pilot chute would pop out and fall back on my back and stay there until I started to roll to see what was taking so long and the wind finally caught it. Before the Para-Commander and the "Square" came out, the best chute I ever jumped was a Lo-Po 32' flat circular Navy Chute with suspension lines that were about 10' longer than usual. The canopy would open out real wide and the rate of descent was slower than a T-10. Even during the best of times I weighed in at about 230 # (I'm 6'6")
so the Navy (Experimental) canopy was a godsend. Some of my landings under a 28' were closer to a "Crash and Burn" than anything else. I was just happy to be able to walk away without any broken bones, didn't matter to me if I hit dead center or not.

Murph

[Charlie765]

colmurph,
When you see Joe please tell him Chuck Carter says hello. Knew him at Bragg thru a mutual good friend named Atwater. If Joe doesn't remember me he will when you mention Atwater. Haven't posted much but have been monitoring. To catch up on intro's here's my background.
2/7 83-86
1st SOCOM 86-88
SWC 88-90
JOTC 90-92 and out
Prior to all that I was Infantry. Been interesting reading some of the stuff on the board. Seen a few familiar names crop up (like Joe's), and even found out what some old friends are up to now.

[Spotlight_Ranger]

Hey Greenhat Go to Lucky Luke's across from the Nana Hotel and raise one for me. If Bangkok Barry's around tell him hey, he's a great guy.

[mcdude]

Man, there has been some serious name dropping going on in here....I had forgotten about a bunch of the above-stated folks. This is like the old home week!
COL Murph, maybe you have crossed paths with Chuck Collingsworth, of Golden Knights fame, from back in the day? You jump stories come from that era, I believe...

Russ, you ever run into Pappy Adkins or Gary O' Neill at Raeford back in the late 80s/early 90s? Walt Shumate used to jump out there, alot, too.

Anyway, I'm rambling, now. COLMurph, welcome aboard, sir...your reputation precedes you. Great to have you.

Catch y'all later

Mick

[Charlie765]

Guy,
Might be a different Atwater. He was Infantry, not SF, but he learned to skydive thru the GB Club while at Bragg going thru the FAO course. He's spent most of the last two decades in Korea. Finished FAO and went back to Korea and was heavily involved in the parachute club over there. Now retired and still in Korea as a GS was up something.

[colmurph]

What with advanced CRS and all, can't say if I ever met Chuck Collingsworth but I used to regularly jump out of Slicks at Ste. Mere Eglise that were piloted by former Golden Knight Dick Fortenberry. He quit jumping after he made warrent and got his wings because "I get paid more for flight status than for jumping and don't want to break anything." Knew Loy Brydon at Bragg and had a few beers with him at Na-Trang when he was with 5th Group (I was pushing a rifle company in the Americal Div.) and I stopped off to see him on my way to R&R. I finally got grounded (as far as IIXX Abn Corps. was concerned) when the post safety officer caught me making a bootleg jump with Bobby "Spider" Wren and his wife down at Raeford, NC. The grounding was for Ft. Bragg and for 6 months but didn't mean much at the time as I was on a levy for Viet-Nam. Also have Ken Sisler in my log book, used to sky-dive with him at Bragg too. The game plan was to join all the clubs on post, 82d, 18th Corps and Center Club (Before it was named the GB Club and was by the chapel on smoke bomb hill) that way you'd always get a lift no matter what club was jumping on the weekend. What amazes me is that I never broke anything until I jumped with my kid on his 5th jump at Benning, then I broke both heels when I hit the ground at about 45 mph on a really hot day under an MC-1 that had seen better days. OUCH! Had to tip-toe for about 3 months because I couldn't put any weight on my heels.

Murph

[Spotlight_Ranger]

McDude--in 73 and 74 I got to skydive around Chuck Collingwood. He was breaking the world accuracy record (under a circular). So I really didn't see him except at meets, like Raeford. There's tons of stories from those days. Spider Wrenn ran the 82d club, Andre Smith ran the GB club, and John Raybon was a buck sergeant.

[mcdude]

Spotlight...man, that WAS a long time ago. John Raybonn was a buck SGT? Man, I miss that crazy, perenially semi-drunken madman of an aviator. God rest his soul.
Spider Wrenn...that's another name I haven't heard in a while.
Yeah, Chuck used a shortlined ParaCommander, if I remmber correctly. MY old man had a shortlined PC, called a "Russian". They called it the "Widowmaker".

The legends are all dying off....it's sad.

Stay safe, y'all!

[colmurph]

Geeze! Am I that OLD?LOL

[RifleMaster]

Hi COL Murph!

I may see CSM Charlie Ferguson this Saturday at the Chapter XII (So. Cal) SFA meeting. I'll give him your phone number posted above. Email me if you would like his number and address. Don't think he is on-line.

I enjoy listening to his and Ted Fleser's (1st Special Services Force) tales. Then, I don't feel so old! LOL http://www.socnetcentral.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif

Carl
MACV Tm 70

[This message has been edited by RifleMaster (edited 09-05-2001).]

[colmurph]

Charlie Ferguson may not remember me. We met in July 1959 at Bad Aibling when the 10th Group was doing some kind of operation there. I was a PFC at the time and listened to him and a guy named Tony Zarba talk about SF (I was ASA at the time and a "LEG") After meeting them I decided I HAD to go SF. The last time I saw Charlie was in 66 or 67 and I was either a Butterbar or a 1LT then with the 3D SFG. He would probably only remember me as a really tall and skinny kid.

Murph

[RifleMaster]

CSM Charlie Ferguson (retired) is an SF icon! He has BTDT! His CIB is third award, his Master Wings have at least one combat jump star, and he has a Silver Star and Purple Heart w/OLC's.

The last time I saw him was at the July LLDB and Vietnamese 81st Airborne Ranger Reunion in Little Saigon/Westminster, CA. It's always an honor to talk with him!

Take care Sir!

Carl

[colmurph]

Stopped in at Lena's yesterday at happy hour and ran into Joe. Yup, he's the "real deal" and a member of the Decade Club. I bought him a few beers and a "Bombay Sapphire" and we did a little talking but mostly we were focused on the TV screen and the sights of lower Manhattan yesterday. His comment to me was "you know? other than you and me, I don't think anyone else in this place realizes what has happened today." Ther rest of the folks were watching the boob tube like it was Saturday afternoon football. Hope I'm, wrong, but I think we saw the opening shots of WWIII. Incidently, Joe is Vice President of Marketing at Para-Flite Inc. in Pennsauken, NJ. His boss is an old Sky Diving buddy of mine, Elik Puskas who owned Sky-Diving, Inc. after he bought it from Steve Snyder (D-5)in the 60's.

[Jatekos]

Col Murph,

If you have Joe's number, please tell him "Picklehead" is alive and well in Budapest.

Originally posted by colmurph:
His boss is an old Sky Diving buddy of mine, Elik Puskas who owned Sky-Diving, Inc. after he bought it from Steve Snyder (D-5)in the 60's.

[colmurph]

Picklehead! I had a "Senior Moment" today when I was downing a few beers with Gonzo and he asked where you were now. I believe you have his e-mail and he says he hasn't heard from you. BTW he wants to know "when are you going to learn how to play blackjack?" and I'm to tell you that if you see someone getting a bunch of small cards you're supposed to yell at the top of your lungs "HIT HIM WITH A BRICK!"

[colmurph]

This is for McDude. Walt Schumate joined my team (A-14, B Co. 3d SFG) in 1967 from the 1st Group on Okinawa. He was with the team for about 2 months when he came to me with a real "Cock and Bull" story. "Sir, I gotta go to HALO School. Center is telling me that the 1st Group Halo School I went to don't count!" and like a 'Dumbass" Butterbar (Shoulda knowed better cause I used ter be a E-6)I signed his damned 10-49 for the school. That's the last I ever saw of him, at least under my command. He ended up on the HALO Committie and was my instructor when I went through Jumpmaster School. He jerked my chain when I was in the Jumpmaster Course too, but that's another story for later. I've poured a lot of beer through my kidneys sitting with that guy.

[Jatekos]

Originally posted by colmurph:
"HIT HIM WITH A BRICK!"

I had forgotten that old saying. Maybe that's why my card playing has suffered so much. I haven't had the time to send him an email due to ongoing projects but I'll get one off today. Thanks for passing my message on to him.
Take care

[Gonzo]

Damn! I haven't caused this much of a stir since I was President of the GB Club! Well, to put all of the inquiring minds to rest, yes, I was SF (ODA-564, Chief, MFF Committee, Berlin (you know the deal), SOTF and JSOC. Retired as an O-4, three grades higher than most of my superiors wanted to see. Thanks for bringing this "NET" to my attention, COL Murph. I may color the fabric of the story a bit, but that's what writers do. Bona Fides for that.....well, ask Clive Cussler (Atlantis Found). To all the guys from the "Speakeasy" - warm hellos. And before I end this gibberish, to all of the absent friends, a salute and a quiet toast.
I'll see you all later.
Gonzo
aka MAJ A

[Jatekos]

Gonzo!

You caused a stir at the GB club? Was this before or after an audit! Glad to see you're still around and doing well. Heard from our old buddy Gary "the Motorcycle Basher" M.? Drop me an email and we can BS some more.

Picklehead

[FutureRanger2000]

2 SF BTDT's meeting less than 5 miles from my house. Sniff Sniff.... I can smellthe combined experience from here. http://www.socnetcentral.com/ubboard/smile.gif

[Jeff Rambo]

Welcome aboard Gonzo.

[Gonzo]

Glad to be aboard, Jeff. Good job on the website, BTW.
Future Ranger, if you're five miles from Lena's, we could get you ready for the 5 miler in Ranger School. COL Murh can post at your doorstep with a stopwatch, and I'll be at the finish point (barstool nearest the front door). You've got to do sub-7 minute miles, though, or you buy.Anyway, stop by and we'll BS.
Jatekos, "Wenn einer von uns mude wird der andere fur ihn wacht - wenn einer von uns zweifeln will, der andere glaubig lacht; und so weiter, und so weiter." The statute of limitations on the audit episode has long since passed. I saw Gary back in '95 while I was at Campbell; I've had several PM's with Ron. Hoffa has cranked up a unit roster and there have been several reunions, but I didn't make any. There will never be another P-34, but man did we ever stomp on the terra. I should write a book, but I'll have to get clearance from Wilkie (LOL). Take care, and watch your six.

[Doogie321]

One day I was climbing to altitude in a Cessna with 3 other guys. We're hot, cramped, and complaining about the trip. I started thinking about what it must have been like to do that not with today's equipment, but with the old rounds that were modified on front lawns with scissors and duct tape and then jumped that same day. To not have 1 harness with 2 parachutes on your back, but to have a round on your back and one on your belly.

Thanks guys. I thank you for doing all of that for the love of the sport and the people and for taking the time to share those stories with us young guys. For the safety innovations that came about because your friends were dying and you wanted to make the sport safer. I appreciate it.

I don't complain about the ride to altitude anymore. I learned how to enjoy it.

Thanks again. BSBD,

EJA
D-20712

[colmurph]

Wow! Doogie 320, D licenses are up to 20,712?
The highest number I saw when I was doing it was D-536. My old B number was 3680, what are they up to now?
As far as the "Old Flat Circulars" went, we thought we were the "Cutting Edge". You gotta remember, the Army wanted you to dump your reserve if you had a hole in your canopy bigger than the apex. We didn't use masking tape for the modifications though. We used white engineer tape which was doubled over the cuts and sewn on with mama's sewing machine. We used the masking tape to patch the holes which resulted from re-packing on the DZ with twigs and pebbles in the air channel. They had a tendency to blow through the canopy on opening. I had one 28' flat circular that probably had 5 pounds of masking tape on it! Got about 300 jumps out of it before it came apart. As for the reserve on the belly, it came in handy to mount your instrument panel on with altimeter (out of a wrecked cessena) and stopwatch. We also used to carry a sheath knife under the bungees just in case we found ourselves in a tree or some other un-comfortable place on the end of our descent.
The scariest problem I ran into was the "Burble". I'm pretty big (6'6") and when I was in a frog I had a good sized vaccuum over my pack tray. I used to routinely get 8 second delays from pulling the rip cord to deployment. I cured the problem by putting two pilot chutes on a length of static line attached to my sleeve. When I dumped, there wasn't enough room on my back for both pilot chutes to hide out of the breeze and I started getting one second openings. Because of the original problem I was used to dumping at 3,000' to get an opening by 1,800'. Really screwed up my accuracy until I started pulling at 2,000'. I had one really bad hesitation over Caddo Hill at Ft. Sill when I dumped at 2,800' and didn't get line stretch until 600'. Talk about ground rush! Needed a change of underwear after that one.

[Billy L-bach]

Originally posted by colmurph:
Wow! Doogie 320, D licenses are up to 20,712?
The highest number I saw when I was doing it was D-536. My old B number was 3680, what are they up to now?


as of september 2001 they are up to D-24229
this time last year they had just passed 23250...

[Billy L-bach]

Originally posted by colmurph:
Wow! Doogie 320, D licenses are up to 20,712?
The highest number I saw when I was doing it was D-536. My old B number was 3680, what are they up to now?
As far as the "Old Flat Circulars" went, we thought we were the "Cutting Edge". You gotta remember, the Army wanted you to dump your reserve if you had a hole in your canopy bigger than the apex. We didn't use masking tape for the modifications though. We used white engineer tape which was doubled over the cuts and sewn on with mama's sewing machine. We used the masking tape to patch the holes which resulted from re-packing on the DZ with twigs and pebbles in the air channel. They had a tendency to blow through the canopy on opening. I had one 28' flat circular that probably had 5 pounds of masking tape on it! Got about 300 jumps out of it before it came apart. As for the reserve on the belly, it came in handy to mount your instrument panel on with altimeter (out of a wrecked cessena) and stopwatch. We also used to carry a sheath knife under the bungees just in case we found ourselves in a tree or some other un-comfortable place on the end of our descent.
The scariest problem I ran into was the "Burble". I'm pretty big (6'6") and when I was in a frog I had a good sized vaccuum over my pack tray. I used to routinely get 8 second delays from pulling the rip cord to deployment. I cured the problem by putting two pilot chutes on a length of static line attached to my sleeve. When I dumped, there wasn't enough room on my back for both pilot chutes to hide out of the breeze and I started getting one second openings. Because of the original problem I was used to dumping at 3,000' to get an opening by 1,800'. Really screwed up my accuracy until I started pulling at 2,000'. I had one really bad hesitation over Caddo Hill at Ft. Sill when I dumped at 2,800' and didn't get line stretch until 600'. Talk about ground rush! Needed a change of underwear after that one.

[Doogie321]

Originally posted by colmurph:
Wow! Doogie 320, D licenses are up to 20,712?
The highest number I saw when I was doing it was D-536. My old B number was 3680, what are they up to now?


In Sep '93, I donned my maroon beret thanks to the kind folks at Ft. Benning. While a C-130 isn't THAT spacious, I can't imagine wearing a T-10 (or T-4 "Dial-a-Death") harness while crouched in the back of a Cessna. I certainly wouldn't want to freefall with said assembly on me. I guess that some folks would say the same about my Jedei 120 loaded at 1.7 to 1.

I fractured my L-5 thanks to a MC1-1B so my only reason for jumping rounds is because the FL Guard and USASOC say that I have to. I can't imagine doing it for fun. I love the people though, and I think that's why many men choose special ops over other units.

Thank you for the sacrifices that you made. Because of what you men and women learned, skydiving is a much safer sport.

Blue Skies, Black Death,
Eric Anderson
3/20 SFG(A)
D-20712

[Tracy]

Let's not forget the old "down-wind" accuracy jumps into pea gravel pits with short-lined Papillons. I'd exit the aircraft 6'2" and exit the pea pit 5'2"...

Anyone remember the Paracommander Mk 2? It had two types of openings: TKO or Maybe.

Gonzo: Any contact with Spider Wrenn?

I can remember getting my ass reamed on a NT/CE jump on St Mere because I slung my reserve, forgot where I was...

Tracy
D-7879, I-77

[Gonzo]

Tracy: Mk2 PC??? Hell, that was the first Freefall Main I owned (along w/ a T-10 chest mount modified by Jim Semmler).
Spider? I haven't heard from him since '95 - Randy Matthews at Raeford (or Gene Paul) should know of his whereabouts.
Damn.....I'm having ground rush flashbacks.

[Marauder]

Major;
My apologies for questioning your post on the other forum from those many moons ago. Just kinda hit me wierd when I read it. But great to find that you are who you are. It's always great to have another voice of experience come aboard to educate us new bucks. (I'm a cherry Canadian Forces Reserves infantryman myself)
Yeesh, between yourself, COLMurph, SGMJordan, E19, Riflemaster, and Tracy, and all the others I'm sure I'm forgetting, I think I'm going to take to bowing in reverence every time I enter the SF forum! http://www.socnetcentral.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif
Anyway, welcome aboard sir. Hope to see ya around for a while.

------------------
Beatings shall continue until morale improves.

I may be dumb, but I can learn, and you'll STILL be ugly!

[Gonzo]

Marauder: No apologies necessary. Thanks for the welcome. While I may not have time for daily submissions, I'll check the site from time to time and offer advice/comments/lame observations as needed. Stay well.

[Billy L-bach]

Tracy, I didnt know you were an "I" also... dang dude, what HAVENT you done?
One thing is for sure, the committe is prob'ly a lot different from when you worked here...

[Jatekos]

Billy,

Is my pal Kurt T. still out there?

[Tracy]

Originally posted by Billy L-bach:
Tracy, I didnt know you were an "I" also... dang dude, what HAVENT you done?
One thing is for sure, the committe is prob'ly a lot different from when you worked here...

The "I" refers to to being a US Parachute Association Instructor, the '77' refers to the year I received the certification.

The closest I ever came to being a MILITARY Freefall Instructor was 1988. I was the Operations Officer and an Instructor for the first High-Altitude High-Opening Course conducted in the US. Three MFF Instructors (MSGs Crain & Tippy and SGM Franquet) went with us to certify the course. It was attended by Army and Air Force personnel and ran by 5th SF Group.

[Billy L-bach]

Jatekos... no, Kurt T. dont ring any bells. What service was he in? I have been here since february 2000, dont remeber seeing the name when I got out here.

Tracy, I was still collecting baseball cards in 77; didnt start skydiving till 15 years later... They have so many different ratings now it can make your head spin!
As for the HAHO training, I wish we had the resources to do a good HAHO course, instead we have to settle for 2 HAHO's per class... and thats IF the wind are being nice to us that day.

[colmurph]

GONZO, COME BACK! We need you here as a moderator. Check the other sites as well please, as we have been invaded by some "Wannabees" and need some exterminating service. I've tried but I think that your suave and debonaire response will get rid of them once and for all, while my harsh and direct approach just inflames them. LOL

Murph

[colmurph]

Gonzo, last time I heard about Gene Paul Thacker was that U.S.Customs has siezed one of his A/C under 18 USC 2149 (Aiding unlawful importation) Seems like somebody at Raeford was receiving shipments of POT. I was a Customs officer at the time and spotted the info on TECS (which is probably out-dated at this time)Gene Paul was a SUPERB skydiver but succcumbed to Mammon.

Murph

[Gonzo]

Col Murph: Just returned from Ft Bragg - made the trip sans laptop, so I've been out of the Net. You wouldn't recognize the place, especially Smoke Bomb Hill; lots of activity and not exactly easy to get on post without a sticker.
Gene Paul was acquitted on the charges you referred to (seems he pissed a few folks off and was wrongfully charged.
Drop me an email.
Gonzo

[Tracy]

Gonzo:

Were you at IMA back in the early 80s? I seem to recall either working for you or jumping with you. CRS kicking in...

[agentq232]

Wow you guys seem pretty old!
(hehehe this coming from a 16 year old http://www.socnetcentral.com/ubboard/smile.gif )

[RussPreston]

Murph,
Gene Paul never "succumbed to Mammon." First of all, those charges were bullshit. Secondly, any profits he might have made were largely invested in buying me free beers. He was one of the best skydivers around and evolved into one of the best coaches around. Go easy on Gene Paul, Murph. He's a Kaintucky boy like me.
Russ

[Gonzo]

Tracy: JFKSWC, Combat Developments (JAN '83-FEB'84); MFFB (FEB'84-JUN'86; back to DCD until DEC '86. SERE & DLI after that, then FRG. You either saw me there, at the GB Club or Raeford.

[Tracy]

Originally posted by Gonzo:
Tracy: JFKSWC, Combat Developments (JAN '83-FEB'84); MFFB (FEB'84-JUN'86; back to DCD until DEC '86. SERE & DLI after that, then FRG. You either saw me there, at the GB Club or Raeford.

I was on the SF Officer's Committee and ATTB from Aug 81 till May 83. I went through MFF JM Course in Sep 1984.

I was the infamous "Rucksack Bomber" in the JM course. I almost clocked Gary O'Neil when my ruck came loose from about 100' up and landed between him another instructor at Sicily DZ. Fortunately, Steven Bright verified he did an equipment check on me 30 seconds prior to exit. I felt something hit my leg and asked Steven to check my ruck.

What a day that was...Couple of tree landings, one collision, rucksacks falling from the sky, broken ankles; and that was that JM student class. I remember the MFF Student and Instructors not being too impressed ;-) .

I think I did some boogies with you out at Raeford and on some Military Record Attempts.

BTW, I was at Tolz from May 88 to June 92 (011(Tech) and 033(TL) ).