FreeFlyFreaky

An email received as a cc: earlier today. Posted with the permission of the writer: Jessica, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. I offer my condolences. For anyone who knows me, you probably know that the best time I ever had in the military was the 4 months I spent in Colombia in 2004. I spent nearly all of that time with Pablo Castro and can attribute many of my positive experiences there with Pablo. To look at us you would not think that someone like myself nor he would have much in common. Our physical statures were quite different. Obviously, everyone knows Pablo was a very tall, dark, and handsom, extroverted exemplar of an Army infantryman. I, of course, am much shorter, skinnier, and on appearance can seem kind of nerdy and introverted. Well, Pablo thought the same of me the first time we ever met at the Parkhouse 101 Hotel in Bogota, Colombia. I recall sitting at the breakfast table with him one morning attempting to make small talk with him and he gave me the sort of begrudgingly respectful yet perceptibly cynical responses to my questions that often occurs between two men from different military services (Army vs. Air Force), and of different ranks (officer vs. enlisted). It wasn't until we were stationed further south in the jungle that he realized that we both share a great sense of adventure and had similar colorful senses of humor; in short we both love to 'work hard, and play hard'. My memories of him include him scooping me up out of river by my BDU collar and into a boat during jungle survival training, watching a Shakira concert in our luxurious house supplied by the US Embassy, going out salsa dancing every night of the week, playing cards and drinking the night away, watching him do his duty unswervingly by grabbing his pistol and confronting strangers one night when I informed him that some suspicious looking people were lurking in front of our house just a little too long, learning from him how to tie various knots with parachute rope, and watching him laugh out loud singing along to 'Ludakris' during our frequent trips along the treacherous highway between Bogota and Melgar. He is also the person who gave the nickname 'T-Bone'. Pablo kept in touch with me ever since then with his frequent funny emails that he sent to the people he cared about. We also on occasion conversed over email to catch up. I worried about him when he went to Iraq and was glad to know he came home safely. And now I am sad that I never got a chance to get down to Miami to visit him. The reason Pablo and I became friends was in no small measure due to his ability to let down his rough and tumble exterior on occasion to reveal a down to Earth core capable of laughing at himself with a healthy dose of self-deprecation. We played geography trivia once and he referred to himself as not being particularly 'book smart' and I reminded him of all the things he knew and could do better than me or most people. He was generous; one day an old, and battle-torn man, a Colobian veteran of the Korean War (who know the Colombians were our allies during the Korean War?), walked into our encampment asking for donations to help other such veterans. Pablo unhesitatingly offered up cash. We followed his lead and contributed as well. Nevertheless, I am heartened by the fact that Pablo lived authentically and passed through this life unapologetically, squeezing every last bit of excitement the world has to offer. I believe more of us should do the same. Pablo touched more lives than I think anyone, including he, will ever know. I miss him already. Respectfully, Tyrone A. West, Captain, USAF

Blue skies, brother. You and your family are in our prayers. Whit & Cindy

Blue skies, Big Papa. All our love to your family. Whit & Cindy

OK, it's been forever since I last posted and I don't log on that often, so if I'm the last to have seen this be kind. My uncle died recently and suffered from Alzheimer's in his last years. My dad shows some signs but the doctors swear it is not so. I've been curious about my possible fate and stumbled upon this website. http://www.alz.org/maintainyourbrain/ Pretty cool, huh? I don't know about you but I liked the image. My impression was that it lends credibility to our sport. Does anyone know who's in the picture?

one more...

Oops, I thought Tami was to my left. this photo same dive, my view. Cheers

Make sure somebody does a goggle check for Scotty. Photo of the love birds in action... Greetings Scotty & Tami! Whit

Had to chime here. I used to lurk a lot and post some, Sangiro featured a couple of my writings in the column section. I just happen to tap in and felt like writing to you guys. I just turned 46 on April 2. I have been lucky enough to be freeflying since jump 20 when I was taken on a head-down with Steve-O, and Larry at Skydive America in July of 2000. I’ve been lucky enough to be trained by and jump with the best in the world. I first saw “The Clouds Edge” in March 2000 and was A-licensed soon thereafter and began my jumping career with everyone in that video. It has been an amazing time ever since then. I just want to say thanks to all of you that I have gotten to know. I’m a guy who has done everything from Himalayan mountains to cave diving Florida’s springs. I lived an traveled and circumnavigated the world doing nearly everything you can imagine. Fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing, biking, racing, and flying all corners of the planet. Mountains, rivers, gorges and oceans have been my playground. I’ve been lucky to say the least. But it wasn’t until skydiving until I found my people. Of all the sports and activities I’ve ever done it has only been skydiving where I felt that everyone is an equal. Doesn’t matter your jump number. I’ve either been there or eventually will be. Whatever your number the quest is always the same. To be better next jump and enjoy the shit out of this one. Because this is it. This is it folks. Here and now amongst the greatest group of people on the planet sharing a special thing. The fun quotient is off the charts. Thanks for the fun. Wanna go jump? Whit oh btw, I don't look my age and will embarass the pants off of most of you young'ns

Icarus Crossfire - Pro Pack, Psycho Pack, Shit Pack, it always opens softly...

Yo, Z-dog...you turned down this jump...

Some jumps just have to be shared... Enjoy ftp://ftp.skydivingmovies.com/UPLOADS/Clouds.wmv

Hmmm, now there is a solution. Thanks Pete. I've got a new roll of gaffers tape that might come in handy too. [light bulb] I could gag him with a space ball!

Ahhhh No. Dre in the back seat of my first date definitely does not compute!

Yo Dre, I must defend myself...Yes, yes I blew your off...sorry dude, but 'the chick' in question is a very hot Brazilan that does my hair who slathers all over me while washing my hair. OK, so she didn't come this time and yes, the Beemer threw a rod at 135 mph down back stretch of airport road. I limped into the DZ Brazilianless and Dreless....what was a guy to do? So, I ask the audience: Were you in my shoes what would you do? Bring miss hottie or Dre? Scotty, where are you? Who would you rather me show up with this weekend?

So that's who that was... Now if you can tell me the name of guy with the green Javelin we can give proper credit to everyone on the dive.

Great hybrid guys...Oh and uh Scotty, your googles didn't come off....they were never on. See ya next Sat too. Whit

You might be in it! This is a short vid of some of the fun we had at the Boogie plus a two-way sequence of Steve and me at SDA. This is a 3 minute video but is close to 15 megs. Ok, I apologize for the massive download but I don't have the compression plug-ins that could squeeze this down to streamable quality without dropping so many frames. Anyone have what I need? ftp://ftp.skydivingmovies.com/public/freefly/whit/Lets_Fly_Instead.wmv Enjoy, Whit

http://www.furnitureporn.com/roofsex.html Ya know, I think the cat deserves it anyway.... Dog$Ru!e

Yo Trip, Yep, I'm eyeballing the Crossfire2 and will probably downsize about the same time you will so I'll definitely look you up. Get yer butts down to SDA when it gets too cold up yonder. We rock year round. Lew, e-me your address and I'll send you the vid I was going to fire you. After that last jump I had to hustle to catch one of those planes 'you have to land in', so I missed you guys when I was leaving. I enjoyed meeting all of you and without a doubt The Richmond Boogie is on my calendar for next year. Be safe, Whit

I arrived Thurday afternoon after putting in literally 90 hours in the previous 6 days. I was wasted with stress and was jonesin’ for a jump bad. By Friday eve I had 15 jumps and was feeling much better. It was so great to be with skydivers instead of clients. I got to meet lots of great folks. You guys RAWK! I had a blast. Attached are some vid caps. Thanks to all for a great time! Oh, uh, Brandon, what’s with all this suit sellin’? Hmmm….FreeFly bug has bit again! Blue Ones, Whit

Hey gang, I'm heading to the Richmond Boogie. flying in to Cincinnati - Thurs Aug 29 arriving around 10:00 AM - I'm renting a car and will gladly give rides (two riders plus gear - max) to those that need it. Willing to wait 'til about noon or so at the airport before leaving to Richmond. Lemme know, Whit

I emailed a link to this thread to a dear friend in Lower Manhattan that survived 9/11. She is also an EMT and picked up the pieces for months. She is also a pilot and wants to do her first tandem this fall. Skydivers are definitely 'her people'. All your words were inspiring to me and I thought she would appreceate them as well. Here is her response. Thanks, Whit _________________________________________ Whit, Thanks for sharing the DZ thread on 9/11 with me. I suppose I've come a long way. I can read those messages and be so very grateful there are real people in the world. I was talking with Heather, her b'day is Monday and I asked her what she wanted - she still says "I'm just glad to be alive". A conversation missed by 5 minutes, a whimsical desire to leave the office at 7pm (early for me) - I miss the conversation, Heather and I end up not being on the 106th floor at 8:30am. When you're born with someone you're called twins. When you die like that, they can become your blood brothers and sisters. That's what they are for me. I choose to make them that. As I write this I hear the F16's flying overhead at night, I know we're on the highest alert since - I'm watching Labor Day very carefully. But, I no longer sleep on the floor, with my clothes on, balled up in a fetal position half way under the couch. I no longer jump at loud noises. I no longer instinctively scramble for cover when airplanes approach. The fire engine sirens are no longer a pucker factor. I no longer need to be in Lower Manhattan to "feel safe", because that's the only place people understand what really went on that day. I no longer fall back on a diet of taro chips and red wine for dinner, or kahlua, cornflakes and vodka for breakfast. I eat red meat whenever I want, without forcing myself. I choose my memories of the tourists to be the ones in uniform I took out of line and escorted to "10 house", at the center of GZ. I will always remember the marine about to ship out to Afghanistan - I still see him there, standing on the roof of "10 house" saluting the site, with tears running down his face, and the silent prayer he said. And as he prayed for them, I prayed for his safety. So you see, for me I choose it to be a huge incredible chain of empowering memories. The site itself has so much power. When you crossed the control zone into the space of GZ, the first thing you feel, naturally, is to be quiet, and then, before you know what's happening a feeling of love and compassion rushes over you. And then you get it, it *really* is hallowed ground. You look around, and there are people quietly watching and slowly smiling at you, because they know you get it. Then, you feel a moment of triumph - that those who left us so horrifically - well, they didn't really leave, because they left the best of themselves here, the love. The ground we frantically dug to reach for them, their horrible mutilation, was just their bodies - their spirits stayed and soothed that ground into the purest love. Ground Zero - a compass point for the center of the best of this country. As 9/11 approaches, I look past the day to day WTC rebuild wranglings and terrible EPA failures, and choose to see just that, for them. I'm not anguished, it's my joy to remember. I know there will be tears, but they won't be traumatic. A friend said despairingly of me a month ago he never thought I'd get over the trauma. But look, each day I'm doing so well. Yesterday I went to the memorial site to print out the pix of the 48 I knew to put them on the wreathe. You see, I'm throwing the wreath in the river on 9/11, letting it ALL go. But the pix were still hard to look at and some tears were still there. That's not trauma, that's just appropriate sorrow. So it's 48 tiny flowers. Their DNA dust is probably still on my as yet unwashed windows. They are welcome. If their spirits need a place to dance, they can do so in my heart. It's for them, but more importantly, it's for the rest of us that I do what needs to be done on this terror issue. And that's how I know I'm over the worst - I'm doing things for we the living, first and foremost - I've let them go. The day I let them go, the wreath turned brown. I know their consciousness survived death, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, they are the ones leading me into doing my part to correct this terrible wrong. Indi

2 years - 460/2 - No RSL #222 - Line twist I created in a really hard turn, collapsed one side of the canopy and it reinflated nastily - chopped at 1,500' - found everything. #440 - Bag Lock - in the saddle 1,900' - I had packed the free lines over a loop - found everything. Ironically, it was one of my best jumps ever, doing a two way with Olav Zipser and my freaking video was turned off.... Blue ones, Whit

I concur wholeheartedly. Well said! Thank you for writing. Whit

About a year ago I was talking with a whuffo girlfriend. WGF: Well, ever seen anybody get injured? Me: Yes, actually, there was visiting skydiver last week that hit a fence and broke both his legs. WGF: On the same skydive? Yes, she was blonde....