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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Dec 3, 2008 - 11:51:18 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute rigger Sgt. Chris Josephson, a member of 294th Quartermaster Company (Airborne), has 11 years experience packing parachutes. (Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
CAMP BULLIS, San Antonio, Texas - The resulting rains and wind from Hurricane Dolly passed through south-central Texas just in time to give paratroopers what they crave - favorable skies for jumping.
During late July, Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) 36th Infantry Division parachute riggers from the newly formed 294th Quartermaster Company (Airborne) trained with one of its "sister" units; the U.S. Army Reserve's 861st Quartermaster Company (Aerial Equipment Repair & Supply) of Nashville, Tenn. It was the first time the two rigger units had worked together.
More than 80 Airborne Soldiers, riggers and jumpmasters bailed from C-130 Hercules aircraft provided by the Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Airlift Wing and the 440th Airlift Wing from Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
The 861st QM Co., formed more than 25 years ago, has a robust staff of approximately 50 riggers within its ranks. Its manning strength is a hopeful benchmark for the 294th T-Patchers who are assigned to the 36th Sustainment Brigade. The Texas riggers have optimism that they will have dozens of fellow Soldiers capable of packing parachutes for airborne missions.
Elgin resident Sgt. 1st Class Roy Rangel, a rigger for the TXARNG since 1976 and the 294th QM's acting first sergeant, remarked he has seen many riggers come and go during the past few decades. His goal is to look among his ranks and see more parachute packers than ever before.
"We have 155 slots for the company and 90 of them are for riggers," said Rangel. "Right now we have less than a dozen and we are the only riggers for the entire Texas National Guard. We need people who are physically fit and have the courage to jump."
Sgt. Victor Valdez, of San Antonio, and a rigger with the 294th since 2002, said the unit missed its recruiting goal last year and is "way behind schedule" regarding new personnel. He said some of the slot-fill shortages resulted from some of the new recruits not making it through the rigorous airborne training.
"Our priority is getting more riggers, but most importantly, this is a quality shop, not a quantity shop," said Valdez.
At the Parachute Packing Maintenance Shop (PPMS) at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, the quantity of packing tables often outnumbers the available riggers to work the tables.
Capt. William L. "Rusty" Weedman, commander of the 294th for the past year, said it is difficult for many National Guard rigger units to sustain their troop strength anywhere near 100 percent capacity. This results because the rigger specialty is a difficult one to fill through recruiting. He said it is also a challenge to keep Airborne Soldiers trained and current in their jump status.
The 294th QM rigger shop is slowly undergoing a transitional change brought about by the upcoming retirement of its heart, soul and backbone - Sgt. 1st Class Mark Dunlap, who has tirelessly supervised the PPMS and trained countless riggers for many years.
"There's a gap in our organization right now," Captain Weedman explained. "We now have a few seasoned senior NCOs with decades of experience. Then, on the other hand, we have junior NCOs with lots of potential."
Captain Weedman said many specific job functions, such as inspections, are above their pay grade and not allowed by the regulations.
"We'll need more than one E-7 or higher to come in and fill Sergeant Dunlap's place," Captain Weedman continued. "We're looking for someone who has complete knowledge of all aspects of airborne operations and rigger functions."
To increase his unit's visibility within the established military community and also with the high-tech savvy younger generation, Captain Weedman and other leaders are developing a new unit website with the guidance of recruiting command.
"We need to improve our marketing strategy to make sure we target the right audiences," said Captain Weedman. "Besides the Web site, we'll have posters placed at recruiting offices and become [more involved] in setting up displays during community events."
Spc. Kelly Moore, 21, who soon completes her five-month full-time assignment at the PPMS, offers her assistance to recruiters who may need a little extra help by having her present during their high school visits. At merely five feet tall, Specialist Moore is proof that determination often conquers all.
As a result of her November 2007 graduation from parachute rigger school, Specialist Moore became the first female rigger within the TXARNG. Since then, two more female riggers stand beside her in the ranks of the 294th QM Co.
"The students show interest in my (unusual) red cap and the silver "bling" wings that I wear," said Specialist Moore. "I answer their questions then show them our dummy rig parachute. We also have photos and video footage of airborne missions for them to watch.
"I will help with recruiting as much as I can," Specialist Moore said. "My older brother, who is a jumpmaster with another National Guard airborne unit, is the one who convinced me to join. Now the two of us are working on our younger 18-year-old brother to become a rigger."
When Specialist Moore talks about her unit, her airborne training "adventures" and the rigger community in general, it's evident she speaks of them with much pride and enthusiasm.
"Packing parachutes can be stressful," explained Specialist Moore. "I know every detailed procedure I perform is crucial because a [fellow paratrooper's] life depends on it. Rigging is my job, but it's all about their lives. This is where I want to be."
As Specialist Moore's personal airborne family grows, the outlook seems favorable for the 294th QM as well while it slowly gains new Soldiers. The year 2009 holds promise for a quickening pace of recruits.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information about becoming a parachute rigger is encouraged to call Camp Mabry's PPMS at (512) 782-5036 to speak with an experienced rigger. For TXARNG recruiters, call Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Carabajal, (512) 517- 3705, or Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Dyer, (512) 422-9183.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute rigger Sgt. Chris Josephson, a member of 294th Quartermaster Company (Airborne), has 11 years experience packing parachutes. ((Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
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| Sgt. 1st Class Mark Dunlap (right), a parachute rigger for more than three decades, explains drop zone conditions to his 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne) Soldiers during a pre-jump briefing at Camp Bullis, Texas. (Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
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| Sgt. 1st Class Mark Dunlap (right), a parachute rigger for more than three decades, explains drop zone conditions to his 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne) Soldiers during a pre-jump briefing at Camp Bullis, Texas. (Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute riggers Pfc. Erica Urrutia (left) and Sgt. Bobby Garcia, who has more than 30 years experience, prepare for their July 26 jump over Camp Bullis, Texas. Veteran riggers such as Garcia are training new Soldiers coming to the newly-formed 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne). (Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute riggers 1st Lt. Kimberly Baird (left) and Sgt. Bobby Garcia, who has more than 30 years experience, prepare for their July 26 jump over Camp Bullis, Texas. Veteran riggers such as Garcia are training new Soldiers coming to the newly-formed 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne). (Texas Military Forces photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner) |
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute riggers from the 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne) jump their own parachutes at Camp Bullis, Texas July 26. (Texas Military Forces photo by Pfc. Michael A. Scott, 294th Quartermaster Company, Airborne) |
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| Texas Army National Guard parachute rigger Sgt. Bobby Garcia, 924th Quartermaster Company (Airborne) prepares for his landing at Camp Bullis, Texas July 26. (Texas Military Forces photo by Pfc. Michael A. Scott, 294th Quartermaster Company, Airborne) |
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