President's Perspective
by Glenn Bangs, USPA President

A couple of idioms in our language ever so accurately describe where we are as a sport right now: “No matter where you go, there you are,” or, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Please bear with me for a moment—this will make a whole lot of sense in just a minute. Taken at face value, one might think, “What total and utter nonsense!” But if you look a little bit deeper, I believe you will appreciate what I mean.

Through the benefit of access to USPA’s archives of previous Parachutist magazines, I got a unique glimpse of what our forefathers experienced as our sport enjoyed an upsurge in popularity and national exposure more than four decades ago.

My case in point: In 1964, when our fledgling sport was organized and known as the Parachute Club of America (PCA), then-President Deke Sonnichsen made the following statements to the membership in support of our burgeoning national organization: “One way, the best way, to promote parachuting is to improve and strengthen the voice of that activity, the PCA. And how? … It’s simple, by increasing the active membership of the club.” He went on to say, “I am asking each and every one of you members to get one person who is not now a member of PCA to join PCA and do it now! No exceptions—[Area Safety Officers], board members, staff, everyone get one new member for PCA and encourage them to be active in all club affairs, … work in and for local clubs and associations, vote in coming elections, … get out and help advance parachuting.”

It’s truly amazing how we seem to have come full-circle to our present situation: “No matter where you go, there you are.” As an organization, we will reach a major milestone on July 10 when we begin celebrating 60 years of our association—what USPA is calling “The Salute to the Skydiver.” What an excellent opportunity to embrace and promote the diversity of our sport! In fact, we already began the celebration with the dedication of the new headquarters facility on May 13.

As Roger Nelson, well-known former USPA Board member and skydiving innovator, often said, “It’s time to spread the love.” What better time and opportunity for all who skydive to promote and highlight the incredible advances in training, disciplines of interest and the camaraderie of being in the air with friends and first-timers alike? To look to the future and see our sport membership grow and further progress; that look at where we were 42 years ago shows us how much we have achieved. I believe we can achieve so much more.

Back to top
Back to Parachutist Online