Sometimes things don't always go right

There is a saying in families associated with police work, you may have heard it. It goes like this. Some days you get the "bear" some days the "bear" gets you. In Ohio, the "bear" most often refers to our State Troopers who wear a Smokey Bear like hat. In Ohio, they are know as tough but honest and absolutely hell on speeders. Traffic Enforcement IS their number one priority.

Sometimes, here in Ohio, the "bear" just refers to a situation. If you get the "bear" the situation turned out in your favor. If the "bear" gets you.....well you get the point.

In the photo to the left you will notice small brown spots on Specialist Jacob's neck. These are called riser burns. Something like floor burns for you jocks. In the 82nd AIRBORNE it is a sign something did not go quite right while "exiting a high performance military aircraft at an altitude of approximately 900 feet".

Now, I am not quite sure how all this happens. I believe the risers are the straps that hold the BIG silk like canopy to a harness that holds the paratrooper. Accordingly if you are not in the proper position while "exiting a high performance military aircraft" when the BIG silk like canopy is opened these straps may slide rapidly up your face and cheek and give you RISER BURNS!

I have been informed that said paratrooper WAS in the proper position when "exiting the high performance military aircraft". I can only imagine this was truly The Day the World Stood Still. At least for a second or two because that is the only thing I can think of that would cause the paratrooper to be out of position. We all know a paratrooper never does anything wrong!