I saw a brief newspaper article about this jump a few weeks ago with a small picture and figured it was just a matter of time before we’d see the usual hi-res official Army photos. Well, sure enough, they’re out (click on them for the giant versions):
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Chris Lalonde, center, holds his military working dog, Sgt. Maj. Fosco, and jumpmaster Kirby Rodriguez behind them, as they free fall through the air making history with the military’s first tandem airborne jump from an altitude of 12,500 feet on Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Sept. 18, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Vince Vander Maarel
Lest those folks up the road from me in Denver, the American Humane Association (the “no animals were harmed in the making of this film” people), get nervous, check out the photo and video of what Fosco was doing right after they landed:
“Dog parachutes as part of Ft. Leonard Wood competition”
How cool is that??!!??
Complete photo essay is here:
http://www.defenselink.mil/photoessays/photoessaySS.aspx?id=1433








I'm very active with Canine Companions for Independence as a volunteer, to include being a past member of the Veterans Task Force and puppy raiser. Retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with my last assignments at the Air Force Academy as the Fourth Group Sergeant Major and Dean of Faculty Superintendent.
May 06, 2011 @ 20:42:25
This is my big brother, one of the best men out there, has done an amazing job protecting our country and making his mark in the world, I am proud to say he is my big brother!
Love you Chris,
Your little sis,
Cass