Leapfest 2008
By Sgt John Cervone, Combat Journalist, Rhode Island National Guard
Aug 10, 2008 - 12:28:18 PM
Blackanthem Military News
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| Members of the Peruvian Jump team along with soldiers from the Rhode Island National Guard. Photo by SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist, RING |
WEST KINGSTON, RI - For a few days every August, West Kingston, Rhode Island, absorbs an airborne invasion by paratroopers from around the world. Fortunately, this is what we in the military like to call, "A friendly invasion". So the ritual really doesn't alarm anyone. In fact, it's become an outstanding spectator event. Where else can you find a competition among the worlds best military parachutists? Nowhere, say Rhode Island National Guard officials, who annually sponsor the International Military Parachute Competition, known as "Leapfest." And military people who jump out of perfectly good airplanes-or helicopters-know all about it. So do local residents who are able to watch the spectacle from the comfort of their own backyards. This year's event, the 26th annual installment, featured more than 200 competitors and 11 teams from Europe and North and South America. "This is what we hoped this would grow to," said Maj. Gen. Robert Bray, Rhode Island Adjutant General. "We truly enjoy fostering these cordial relations with the international teams." The rules are fairly simple for the single-day event that is open to military-qualified parachutists. The dynamics of the competition are quite simple. Each four-member team jumps three times from 1,500 feet with static lines that pull the chutes open. The parachutists land as close as they can to a large orange X, in the middle of a well manicured farm, where turf for golf courses is grown. Competitors are timed from the moment they touch the ground until they touch the X while dragging their chutes. The individuals and teams with the lowest total times win. International team members are pinned with U.S. parachutist wings. That courtesy is common within the international airborne community. The bonding experience paratroopers from the different lands have while together in Rhode Island is considered as important as the competition. The Rhode Island hospitality includes trips to nearby Boston and Newport, R.I., and the chance to visit nearby shops and participate in local events.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Jumpers wait their turn, Photo by SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist, RING |
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| Opening Ceremonies, Photo by SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist, RING |
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