18- Matt helps to celebrate National Airborne Day with Mr Bear – Grumpy Old Bears

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode of The Grumpy Old Bears Podcast, we continue our celebration of National Airborne Day (August 16). But this time, we have the participation of our past co-host, Matt Cox — who was also a podcaster who has his own podcast show called Brunch with the Brits, and who co-hosted another podcast called The 2030 Podcast Show.

First, we wanted to refer you to a 1962 film by A. Diamond Productions called AIRBORNE. This film was produced as an honorary tribute to the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina — and especially their participation in World War II. Although by today’s current standards, this may appear to be an “amateur” production, it was a peek into what airborne jump school training at Fort Bragg was like in 1962.

Now, Sgt. Fred took his training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1971. But the training was similar in most aspects — even though the film did leave out the 2nd week highlight during “Tower Week” when the trooper was dropped from a 250-foot tower and descended to the ground with a real parachute, so that he could prepare and execute his PLF (parachute landing fall).

So, to get into the spirit of celebrating National Airborne Day, even Mr. Bear has put on his AIRBORNE cap, showing his airborne wings (even though he has never gone near an airplane or helicopter, let alone jump from them).

So now, we have completed the celebration that honors the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, including Sgt. Fred and Matt Cox.

We also would like to highlight the celebration of Maria Elena, Matt’s wife, on her birthday.

Thank you for your attention.