In my dreams its always the same event played out. The ground is so far away, and my grip is starting to go weak, the wind is blowing so hard I can’t hear a thing, my left hand gives and now I’m holding on by only my right hand then I just accept it and let go, and then I drop like Hans Gruber in Die Hard. The sudden free fall catches me and my adrenaline levels spike, this is it. Ground here I come. But then a sudden jerk as my parachute deploys and I take control.

This was a dream since childhood watching a documentary about the Canadian Airborne and was a reason for joining the Army Primary Reserves in high school The Royal Westminster Regiment a military unit with a long and proud legacy in Canada’s history. Unfortunately, an injury stamped out my privilege of earning the Canadian Jump Wing’s.

Which leads me to Campbell River Skydive Centre located 1759 Airport Drive, Campbell River, BC

Just Southwest of the city of Campbell River and centrally located on Vancouver Island. Started by Bob Verret a military veteran of 34 years much of it as a Search and Rescue Technician. Sky diving a key skill set needed to get to injured people in the Canadian wilderness and save lives. Well after retirement Bob turned it into a passion for getting more people involved in the sport.

Campbell River is partnered with Operation Pegasus Jump an event that began in July 2022 for veterans, by veterans, spreading awareness and offering help to those that have experienced PTSD and other mental health issues from high demand occupations.

This partnership allows the love of sky diving to bridge the divide between civilians and the Veteran/military. For people of all backgrounds to bond over their various trauma to understand we are not alone when we reach out to a wider group of people who are also hurt and the strengths of each other to built each other up.

So ask yourself if you feel like an adventure and want to leave anything in your past behind to forge ahead a new and more powerful you who has conquered a fear and did something that isn’t them because today you take that new step forward and off a planes ramp to discover what limits you are happy to throw away and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprized.

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca