CFB VALCARTIER — Last month, Warrant Officer Roch Lanteigne realized his dream of becoming the first person to complete 1000 static line jumps using a round military parachute. As a young man, he had been inspired by the film, "Men With Wings". Later on, he was scoffed at by a chief warrant officer who told him, "with your shape, you'll never make more than 50 jumps".
In honour of his achievement, Stony Ridge Drop Zone, on CFB Valcartier, will henceforth bear the name "Lanteigne Drop Zone". The change will soon be marked on topographical maps of the region. This is a rare recognition for a member who is still active in the Canadian Forces.
It is his love of parachuting that has brought him so far. In addition to his 1000 static line jumps, WO Lanteigne has made over 2,500 free-fall jumps. He has been an instructor for 13 years, during which time he has given no fewer than 68 basic parachute courses.
He has also served as a guinea pig, testing various pieces of equipment in flight. On one occasion, he had to deal with three situations involving defective equipment in one day, when he completed six jumps and had to rely on his reserve parachute to land safely.
In addition, WO Lanteigne collects French, British, American, Italian, Israeli and Danish wings. On two occasions, he was a member of the SkyHawks, the Canadian Forces' elite jumping team, in 1997-1998 and in 2004.
Amazingly, WO Lanteigne has never broken any bones while jumping. He has, however, had a few harrowing jumps, during which he coped with 22 to 26-knot winds, crossed a frozen lake after landing, jumped 10 minutes before a tornado hit and tumbled down the side of a mountain during a night jump in Texas.
The "Old Wolf" , as he is commonly called, says he attributes his cautiousness to the fact that "accidents are often the result of human error". His secret to working with parachutists throughout his career has been to surround himself with young people, thus guaranteeing him a place in the heart of the action.
Having run 54 marathons, including 20 in his combat boots and backpack, he says that he is to parachuting as Gordie Howe was to hockey.
Article by Master Corporal Serge Gouin Photos by Sergeant Luc Fortier and MCpl Serge Gouin
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