Around The Bonfire - Share Your Stories

Melissa (Nelson) Lowe and Barry Williams are collecting skydiving stories of the past to create a book called, “Around the Bonfire – skydiving stories from the 1950s-1980s.” We know we’ve lost many influential skydivers of the past, so we were inspired to preserve the stories that are still around. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to the National Skydiving Museum to support its efforts to build a museum.

Submissions can be about anything skydiving related from the 1950s – 1980s! For example: after hour shenanigans, boogies, your first nationals, aircraft, military or sport jump stories, meeting the man/woman of your dreams on the DZ, visiting a new DZ, your first jump, new training techniques that changed...

Submitted stories must include:

• Your Name (Nickname optional)


• D-License # (or USPA Membership #)


• SOS #, Muff Brothers or Freak Brothers # (or anything fraternity from that era)


• Era/Time Frame of Story


• Location


• THE STORY: any length and can submit multiple stories (there will only be grammatical editing)


• Copy of jump in logbook (optional)


• Photos with photo credit and permission from photographer (photo submissions are optional, but highly encouraged)


• Contact information (is required, but will not be published)

Please submit your stories or inquiries to [email protected]. Digital copies of logbook entries and photos are preferred, however you can submit hard copies to:

Skydive Stories

c/o Barry Williams

32959 Perret Blvd.

Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

NOTE: Hard copy submissions will not be returned.

Submissions duly note that you give Melissa Lowe and Barry Williams permission to use your stories and/or photos to be used for print and publication at their discretion.

Deadline for entries is December 31st, 2015, but do not delay, submit your stories today!

The fundraiser will benefit the National Skydiving Museum to raise the necessary funds to build the museum. When completed, the National Skydiving Museum will recognize and promote the sport of skydiving through public education and awareness; recognize the contribution to skydiving by its participants, suppliers and supporters; capture forever the history of the sport through is events, equipment and personalities; and enhance aviation safety as it pertains to skydiving. It is expected the museum will draw visitors from throughout the world to experience the thrill of skydiving through its history of people, equipment and events. The National Skydiving Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees.

For more information about the National Skydiving Museum, Hall of Fame, visit www.skydivingmuseum.org or contact museum administrator, Nancy Kemble, at 540-604-9745 (direct line) or [email protected]