Instructor from Iraq

[desertstorm 0]

I went skydiving at a dropzone in Utah. My AFF instructor was from Iraq. I heard he used to be with the Republican Guard.He is supposed to be a very good skydiver, pilot, base jumper, paraglider, and hang glider, but I feel a little worried because I was a soldier during both wars in Iraq. He looks kind of wild and mean, walking around with his cigar and hawk. He is not easy for me to make friends with. I think he's not too friendly to me, but other people seem to like him. Is it normal for me to be nervous jumping with him. I passed my first AFF with him, but now that I know where he is from, I have started worrying about it.

[NWFlyer 2]

You should notify the authorities immediately. And go underground.

Oops, I've already said too much.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[bob.dino 1]

You're right to be worried. It's a fiendishly devious plot by the Iraqis to eliminate the US Army. They're going to train up loads of skydiving instructors, get them to emigrate to the USA, and murder every soldier that wants to learn to skydive. Then rape their women and salt their fields! Foolish American Satan!! You'll never see this one coming!!!


FFS. Grow up a little, wouldya? Apparently you fought in a couple of wars - is approaching the guy and talking to him really that scary?

[jtval 0]

Are you talking about ferris?

That guy is a major terrorist. Look out; the only reason he would learn to speak english and become a skydiver, pilot etc. is so he could teach you, a USA military man the wrong stuff. I bet he taught you the Old Look,Reach, Pull routine, huh? That bastard.


If I were you I'd be more worried about the polygamists. You can't leave your wife alone around them.

It's ok to be concerned but the one thing you have to learn NOT to be is racist.

My photos

My Videos

[NWFlyer 2]

Quote

Are you talking about ferris?

Bueller is a skydiving instructor? I always wondered what happened to that kid after he finished high school. Somehow, this career path doesn't surprise me at all!

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[DSE 5]

Quote

I went skydiving at a dropzone in Utah. My AFF instructor was from Iraq. I heard he used to be with the Republican Guard.He is supposed to be a very good skydiver, pilot, base jumper, paraglider, and hang glider, but I feel a little worried because I was a soldier during both wars in Iraq. He looks kind of wild and mean, walking around with his cigar and hawk. He is not easy for me to make friends with. I think he's not too friendly to me, but other people seem to like him. Is it normal for me to be nervous jumping with him. I passed my first AFF with him, but now that I know where he is from, I have started worrying about it.

You're f$#@!' kidding, right? I've got nearly 200 jumps with the guy you're talking about, he's an exceptionally good person.
Fill out your profile, let people know who you are, and maybe, just maybe, you'll have half an ounce of credibility.
We have several veterans that skydive with him regularly from all military branches, we have currently enlisted Marines that jump with him from as a skydiver, and that have taken paragliding classes from him.
Just because he's from a particular region of the world doesn't give you any reason to "be concerned." And if you believe he was a soldier that fought against the US...well...think about where he is living now, and has lived for a long while.
I'd be more concerned about you coming on DZ.com and raising an issue whereas you could simply have a discussion with the guy. He's very open and easy to talk to. He's friendly to everyone that I've ever seen him around. And I see him on a near-daily basis. He's a straight-up guy. I'll jump with him every day of the week (and often do).
"looks wild and mean?" and maybe you saw him on the one or two days he's brought his hawk to the DZ all year? Or did you just see the photo of him that I posted on the DZwebsite?

Go to the skydiveutah.com website video page and see your "terrorist/republican guard" guy teaching base jumps. You can see the "wildness" in his eyes as he humbly helps people get their first BASE jumps accomplished.
Better yet, just talk to the man. Have the courage to ask him/tell him your concerns. That's the right way to discuss this, not coming anonymously to DZ.com and posting about him expecting answers of value from people who have never met him. If you're a soldier, I'd hope that means you're a person of courage and honor. He certainly is.

[slug 1]

Hi DS

A troll? A joke? "Looks wild and mean" " Desert storm ended 15 yr's ago.

If this is for real: Your home now away from all the bad shit The locals know the guy and they say he's the real deal so you can relax
Your feelings if real are no different then other soldiers from other wars. Civil war WW1, WW2, Korea and VN. etc. Now we're friends with the rebels, germans, japan, Viet nam, russia etc.

If this is a troll or joke, your a sick bastard

R.I.P.

[airtimebabe24 0]

Desertstorm,
In the defense of this skydiver you are referring to- I will say that he is the most helpful, caring, safe, and loyal person i know at the DZ. everytime i turn around he is helping someone. he never fails to put safety first.
As an AFF student or recent graduate, you are obviously new to the DZ and to the sport. The first thing you can learn is to not make enemies with those you may need to seek help from in the future- which i gurantee with you will be often as you are learning. Posting about this instructor in the manner which you have done so is not only digging your own grave but it is setting a false perspective on this skydiver. Your concerns and conclusions you have are based on nothing. Your assumptions are extreme and idiotic.
I have been coached and trained and helped on several occasions. You will be hard pressed to find anyone as willing and helpful as this person. Good luck with the negative position you have put yourself in with this ridiculous post. Also, best of luck in the skies. Be sure to pull.

"The most wasted day of all is that upon which we have not laughed..." Nicholas Chamfort.

[Sockpuppet 0]

Quote

I went skydiving at a dropzone in Utah. My AFF instructor was from Iraq. I heard he used to be with the Republican Guard.He is supposed to be a very good skydiver, pilot, base jumper, paraglider, and hang glider, but I feel a little worried because I was a soldier during both wars in Iraq. He looks kind of wild and mean, walking around with his cigar and hawk. He is not easy for me to make friends with. I think he's not too friendly to me, but other people seem to like him. Is it normal for me to be nervous jumping with him. I passed my first AFF with him, but now that I know where he is from, I have started worrying about it.

You think you've got issues? I fought against the crusaders...man Jesus is pissed.

Seriously though. If he was a soldier and you were then you should get on better than most people. Soldiers from any country share a bond even after having fought each other becuase we are all only following orders and we have the compassion and professionalism to stop once the opponent is unable to bear arms. We dont take it personally and have a respect for what the other side is trying to acomplish and know that the other side will care for us as much as we would for them. This is what seperates us from Terrorists - you'd be wise to learn that.

------
Two of the three voices in my head agree with you. It might actually be unanimous but voice three only speaks Welsh.

[recovercrachead 0]

*** Homeland security Report***

Aff instructors from IRAQ Republican guard are taking over the skydiving. When Iraqs skydiving team did not when first place at nationals Sadaams son would give them dual bag locks.

CNN

Track high, Pull LOW!!!

[matthewcline 0]

Oh come on!

What a loud of crap!

If you did DS/S and a recent tour in Iraq, you are an older (and one would think MATURE) soldier and would not even consider this a concern.

Lighten up Francis! Now go skydive!

I would actually be more concerned with some one who hides on the internet and voices "concerns", than some one who is openly pursuing happiness and liberty while enjoying him self in his work.

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!