HARRISBURG (TNS) — Six U.S. soldiers practicing jumps from a Chinook helicopter near Gettysburg National Military Park Tuesday spent some time stuck in the tree tops after branches snagged their parachutes, officials said.
Four of the paratroopers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were able to jump or fall out of the tree on their own, according to Gettysburg Deputy Fire Chief Scott McGonigal. Gettysburg firefighters helped the other two soldiers escape using a smaller Haverfield Aviation helicopter.
The airdrop training was held at Browns Ranch, McGonigal said. Gettysburg firefighters on the scene in case their assistance was needed during the potentially dangerous jumps. Park rangers from the Gettysburg battlefields, local police and the Emmitsburg Fire Department later joined in with the rescue when the soldiers ran into trouble.
McGonigal said the elevation and heavy woods prevented firefighters from getting to the soldiers on foot or with fire department apparatus. So they called Brandon Jackson of Haverfield Aviation, who has helicopters significantly smaller than Chinooks that could complete the deft movements required to help the soldiers while not getting tangled up in the tree line.
The Haverfield helicopter lifted the paratroopers straight out of the trees and dropped them safely onto the ground, Jackson said.
Jackson said Haverfield frequently works with military veterans, and “when we get the call, we’re compelled to assist.”
Wind does not seem to have played a major role in the ordeal. The National Weather Service said winds were shifting directions late Tuesday afternoon, but only moving about 5–10 mph.
The Gettysburg Fire Department shared photos and video of the rescue on Facebook. The 82nd Airborne Division commented on their post saying: “We got some training, you got some training! Thank you for being there! We are happy that no injuries occurred.”
McGonigal said military training sessions are not common in Gettysburg. He estimated it could take a year or two — or more — for another session to take place in the area.
Officials from the U.S. Army were not immediately available for comment.
