The National Smokejumper Quarterly Magazine Association October 2019 Smokejumper

CampFrom Pendleton Fire—Future to POWof America’s...... Wildfires?...... 4 SafeEx-Jumpers Zones vs. Barely Road Escape Emergency Camp...... Fire...... 1921 AchievingWhat Is Forest Resilient Management? Forests Part...... II...... 2526 CONTENTS Message from Message from the President...... 2 From Pendleton to POW: The Clifford Allen Story.....4 George Gowen: A “Bro” For Sure...... 7 the President Celebrating Sixty Years of Alaska Smokejumping...... 10 Kovalicky (MSO-61) Odds and Ends...... 13 “I thought I was going to Leadership Part I: Western Hardscrabble ...... 15 die!” Neil Walstad (MSO- Leadership Part II: The Eastern School of Law...... 17 61), retired Grangeville Base Snapshots from the Past...... 20 Safe Zones vs. Evacuation by Roads—There Is a Manager Better Way...... 21 In reference to helicopter Good Intentions and the Road to Hell...... 22 rescue by Rod Snider (NCSB- Forest Management: A Call to Action or Just a 51): “Don’t know how he did Catchphrase?...... 26 it; don’t know if I would have Sounding Off from the Editor...... 29 Recording Smokejumper History...... 31 tried (even in a Huey).” James My Years as a Smokejumper—1948-51...... 36 Van Vlec (MSO-61), retired Smokejumper Archives Established...... 37 by Bob McKean career US Army helicopter Retired Jumper Is Subject of Arizona (Missoula ’67) pilot and trainer Radio Article...... 39 President “I’m not a hero. Proud Oriented Strand Board and Fuel Reduction...... 41 Former Smokejumpers Honored for I did it,” said Rod Snider Their Service...... 42 “I never saw anything blow (NCSB-51), helicopter pilot. John S. Lewis—Honored Smokejumper...... 42 up so fast! Worst fire I’ve ever Rod was awarded the North My First Fire Jump...... 44 been on! Trees were exploding! American Forest Fire Medal, Blast from the Past...... 45 It was a …tornado (of smoke which is reserved for heroism Afterthoughts...... 45 Off the List...... 47 and fire) right above us!” Dale of the highest order. Graff (MSO-60) These are the words of “Smoke was so thick, it was smokejumpers and the he- like being in a PingPong ball! licopter pilot who rescued Didn’t think we were going to them (20 smokejumpers in make it! Sounded like a freight all) from the Higgins Ridge train. Someone said the Lord’s Fire where they were overrun Prayer!” Wade Erwin (MSO- on July 4, 1961. Someone at a 59), retired fire management higher level had even written a Smokejumper, Issue No. 106, October 2019 ISSN 1532-6160 officer. draft press release about their Smokejumper is published quarterly by: “Someone said, ‘God help demise prior to their rescue. The National Smokejumper Association us!’” Don Gordon (MSO-59) And, the helicopter pilot, Rod c/o 10 Judy Lane Chico, CA 95926 “I told them, ‘…build Snider, having been told to The opinions of the writers are their own and do yourself a hole in the rocks!’ head home, decided instead to not necessarily reflect those of the NSA. Permis- sion to reproduce Smokejumper in any manner …my canteen cover burned look for the crew. Then, when must first be obtained in writing. and my canteen fell out! We he found them, he made mul- NSA Website: http://www.smokejumpers.com had many holes burned in our tiple trips through the smoke Managing Editor: Chuck Sheley clothes!” Ross Parry (MSO- and flames to rescue them Associate Editor: Ed Booth 58), Squadleader by overloading his helicopter Editing: K. G. Sheley “One guy tried to run,” designed to carry two passen- Photo Editor: Johnny Kirkley Fritz Wolfrum (MSO-53), gers—think “MASH”—with Illustrators: Dan Veenendaal, and Eric Rajala Foreman, said. “Grab him!” four passengers. Layout/Printing: Larry S. Jackson, Heidelberg Graphics, www.HeidelbergGraphics.com Fritz said to the ranger. “The This past June 10 smoke- Front cover: Lt. Clifford Allen (Courtesy Edgar hell with you, we’re staying jumpers provided their Weinberger) right here (in the black)!” Tom individual accounts of the

Check the NSA website 2 National Smokejumper Reunion Higgins Ridge Fire as part of the Higgins Ridge ground were as important to survival as was Oral History Project. The event was sponsored by the heroism demonstrated by the helicopter the National Museum of Forest Service History pilot. (NMFSH). Following two days of video taping • Lessons from the Mann Gulch Fire were in individual accounts, a panel discussion was held the minds of many and most especially, the where these individuals had the opportunity to sit leaders, Wolfrum and Parry. together and, for the first time, share as a group • Smokejumper training was excellent and perspectives about what happened. It provided key in how these individuals responded. the audience—which included many family • Those who are not smokejumpers—inter- members—a glimpse of what these men did and viewers, videographers, reporters, and even endured to survive. family members—have difficulty compre- I was honored to represent NSA as the mod- hending the culture that engenders smoke- erator of the panel discussion. In preparation for jumper thinking and behavior. the task, I was privileged to sit through individual • For most of these individuals, smokejump- oral history accounts as they were recorded at the ing was a life-shaping experience with University of Montana Mansfield Library. lessons and loyalties that prevail nearly 60 Here are a few of my takeaways from this years later. event: • Smokejumpers are smokejumpers no matter • Leadership and courage by those on the the era that they jumped. A video of this project is currently being devel- oped and should be available in the not too dis- tant future. Two articles about the Higgins Ridge NSA Members—Save Fire have appeared in previous issues of Smoke- This Information jumper: Wolfrum-April 1994 and Kovalicky-Oc- Please contact the following persons directly if tober 2012. you have business or questions: Finally, the National Museum of Forest Service Smokejumper magazine History and, especially, its Executive Director Articles, obits, change of address Lisa Tate deserve credit for putting this project Chuck Sheley together! 530-893-0436 Other Stuff: [email protected] Alaska 10 Judy Ln. Chico, CA 95926 As I write this in the middle of July, Alaska is Membership burning, 1.6 million acres to date according to the John McDaniel National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). This 785-404-2847 is understandable since Alaska has been having [email protected] record high temperatures. Accordingly, well more 807 Eileen Ln. Salina, KS 67401-2878 than half of all active smokejumpers have been de- All else tailed to Alaska (Smokejumper Status Report, July NSA President 16, 2019). The following NBC News video speaks Bob McKean to the changing weather patterns and the warm- 503-762-6337 ing climate conditions affecting those patterns. It [email protected] is worth careful consideration. https://tinyurl.com/ 14013 SE Eastridge St Portland OR 97236 yy9e43ce Miss Montana Smokejumper base abbreviations: After 20 years of dormancy, the Mann Gulch Anchorage...... ANC Grangeville...... GAC Redding...... RDD DC-3 (Miss Montana) was restored at the Mu- Boise...... NIFC Idaho City...... IDC Redmond...... RAC Cave Junction...... CJ La Grande...... LGD West Yellowstone.WYS seum of Mountain Flying (MMF) in Missoula. Fairbanks...... FBX McCall...... MYC Whitehorse Yukon.YXY Many organizations (including the NSA) and in- Fort St. John...... YXJ Missoula...... MSO Winthrop...... NCSB dividuals contributed to the effort. In June, Miss

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 3 www.smokejumpers.com Montana was flown to England and France where Articles for Smokejumper RE: “Campfire—Fu- it participated with other C-47s in the 75th anni- ture of America’s Wildfire?” versary tribute to the Normandy D-Day Invasion. In the last issue of Smokejumper, I requested At this writing, Miss Montana is scheduled to fly that those of you with expertise about issues over Mann Gulch to commemorate the 70th year associated with today’s fires consider writing an since that tragedy. In future, Miss Montana will article in response to one or more of the questions be on display at the MMF when not flying. posed (See July 2019 issue of Smokejumper). It is NSA Scholarships one thing for those of us with little or no expertise The NSA has an active scholarship program. to “Monday Morning Quarterback” against the Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis backdrop of these fires, as to how they are man- to smokejumpers or members of their families. aged, how climate change affects them, how forests Recent scholarships have been awarded to the might be better managed to address changing following individuals: Angela Barbetta, Michelle climate, responsibilities of businesses and home Chung, Amy Duning, Brooke Hornberger, Jon owners to engage in self protection, et al. It is Joiner, Hanna Kaiser, Linnea Leist, Kerissa Sheley, another thing to hear the thoughts of individuals and Mike Stackley. More about these individuals who have real expertise and who might genuinely will be shared in the next issue of Smokejumper. enlighten our readership by contributing an article. Please consider making a contribution to this So please, if you have the expertise or know valuable program. someone who does, contact Chuck Sheley or me.

From Pendleton To POW: The Clifford Allen Story by Robert L. “Bob” Bartlett (Associate)

is proud look drew me into a dangerous and the plane in the background is Army. His life once lived. This lone jumper, car- circumstances drew me in. Hrying a letdown rope, a caged helmet, This confident-looking jumper is 25-year-old and standing next to an olive drab C-47 dated the Clifford Allen (PNOR-45), born in Widener, image, but who was he? What was his story? Ark., in 1920. His family relocated to Chicago The picture is one of a number in an assort- when he was young. Allen attended public schools ment of Triple Nickles (555th Parachute Infantry and later graduated from Northwestern University Battalion) photos taken by World War II Army before being drafted into the Army as a private in Air Corps photographer Edgar H. Weinberger 1942. Officer Candidate School (OCS) should while on assignment at Pendleton Field during have been an automatic military consideration, “Operation Firefly” in 1945. but not in his case. This particular photo joined my collection While at basic training at Camp Wolters, some time ago. But, who was this Triple Nickles Texas, Allen saw an opportunity for OCS. Dur- jumper, frozen in time by Weinberger’s camera, ing an interview many years later, he mentions and what stories lie behind the image? being “discouraged” by other troops from pursu- Unlike the photo that appeared in this maga- ing OCS. He persisted and, after passing all the zine some time ago of the first black Civilian entry requirements, was sent to Ft. Benning, Ga., Public Service (CPS) smokejumper Wardell a place he referred to as “the Benning School for “Knuckles” Davis (MSO-45) standing next to a Boys.” Ford Trimotor, this lone, black jumper is Army The military, which Allen and others entered

Check the NSA website 4 National Smokejumper Reunion Lt. Allen made the bold decision to join 2nd Lt. Bradley Biggs (PNOR-45), 1st Lt. James Porter (PNOR-45), and three other black officers for the second phase of the Benning experiment. They would attempt to be the first cadre of black of- ficers to earn their jump wings. Biggs recalls of this handpicked group of of- ficers: “By the time of the first jump, we were so full of airborne propaganda that we would have jumped without a chute ... Each of us felt a sense of moral responsibility. We felt that the pride of Negro America rested on our success. We were, in effect, on trial every day ... Always on our minds was the thought that, if we failed, the arrogant aristocrats at the Army’s helm would have the ex- cuse to say, ‘See? We gave them a chance and they couldn’t handle it.’” Their struggle was represented by the Double V campaign, initiated in 1942, which was a na- Bob Bartlett (Courtesy B. Bartlett) tional campaign to recruit black troops willingly to fight for victory overseas and victory at home! Allen and the other officers earned their wings in the early 1940s, was as harshly segregated as the in March 1944 and, along with the 16 enlisted civilian lives they left. OCS training at Benning men, were given the task of hand-picking more was separate from the Parachute School, as was black volunteers for Benning. Now paratroopers, the all-black service company attached to it. Allen and the rest thought they would surely see Allen was eventually commissioned a second combat overseas and have a chance to prove the lieutenant there at Benning. At the time he could doubters and haters wrong. not imagine someday returning to Benning and Allen and some 300 men, now designated making history there. His first assignment was to as the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (PBI), an Air Base Security Battalion at Camp Butler, boarded a troop train May 6, 1945 – destination N.C. Allen joined a growing list of both black Pendleton, Ore.; mission unknown. Some among enlisted men and officers longing to be assigned them thought that Pendleton was only a tempo- to combat units and frontline duty overseas, but rary stop along the way to join the war in Japan. routinely denied. However, Pendleton Field proved to be the per- President Franklin Roosevelt, in November manent change-of-duty station for approximately 1943 – after much public pressure – called for 200 of the original 300. After initial training, 100 black paratroopers. Roosevelt had previously would transfer to Chico, Calif. responded to similar pressure from black leader- Pendleton Field was at that time skeletonized ship to support the “Tuskegee Experiment.” Black and on “caretaker” status. The men of the 555th Tuskegee-trained pilots were already flying bomb- found a white full-colonel as base commander, a er-escort missions over North Africa. staffed control tower, and a small engineer main- Following the Tuskegee Experiment, 1st Sgt. tenance contingent. The base commander quickly Walter Morris (PNOR-45) and 16 other enlisted assigned them to separate quarters, and they were men made military history at Benning as the first told what areas of the base were off-limits. to earn Airborne wings. Their success drew the They also learned that much of Pendleton was attention of Allen and a handful of other recently also off-limits. commissioned black officers. Trained for combat, Allen and the rest were By the second week in January 1944, 2nd issued shovels, pickaxes, letdown ropes, caged

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 5 www.smokejumpers.com helmets, and other firefighting gear and oriented 100 from Pendleton who jumped a fire on the in their new assignment: “the destruction and Wenatchee National Forest July 13. demolition of Japanese Balloon Bombs and the There was the Chilliwack Meadows Fire, near suppression of wildland forest fires.” Winthrop, Aug. 22, when jumpers were reported Allen and the rest would serve under the 9th injured and taken off the fire. The injured were Service Command and their new mission, “Op- packed out and picked up by PBY plane and eration Firefly.” Without access to Allen’s military flown to a Tacoma, Wash., hospital. records or After-Action Reports (AARs) kept by In the end, the Pendleton group fought fires in the Army, we do not know the details of his expe- USFS Regions 1, 4, 5 and 6. The Pendleton group riences or of other Triple Nickles’ experiences who responded to 19 fires. The sources merely report fought fires out of Pendleton, nor do we know some limited facts – the when, where, and some- much of what their lives were like in and around times the who. The stories are left to us to find or Pendleton. imagine. What we have are mostly black-and-white pho- By mid-October 1945, Allen and the 555th tos of the men, their planes, and of smoke off the found themselves at Fort Bragg, N.C., under the wing tips of their C-47s. Also, in the collection is command of Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin, who a single reel of training film likely recorded in and proved to be a godsend. Gavin treated the men around Pendleton. We are left only to imagine of the 555th with unprecedented respect, likely what Allen’s life was like. because of their service in the Pacific Northwest Much of what we know about fires responded and their status as fellow paratroopers. However, to by the 555th comes from two main sources, the postwar units were demobilizing and the 555th’s 1945 Silver Lake Dispatch Log – recorded by the numbers dropped dramatically. Army – and a Smokejumper Base Fire and Jump Allen and those remaining were left to once Log for Region 1. Allen and his men could have again recruit volunteers from other black units to been on the Meadow Creek Fire July 20, the first fill their ranks. By June 1946, their numbers were fire jump for the Pendleton Group. Entries in the back up to 36 officers and more than 1,000 men. Region 1 log prove interesting. Gavin allowed them to grow and he provided The log reports that 32 CPS jumpers and 52 many opportunities to showcase the unit. Triple Nickles jumped the Meadow Creek Fire. Gavin is seen in one of Weinberger’s photos, It is noted that a Triple Nickles medic took an geared up with a load of smiling Triple Nickles injured soldier off the fire, then jumped again ready to jump, likely at Ft. Bragg. from a Forest Service Travelair plane. Most By December 1947, the 555th would no interestingly it also notes, but hard to imagine, longer be. Gavin’s plan was to integrate the 82nd. that German POWs and Mexicans were used as Soon Triple Nickles like Allen would be scattered reinforcements. to different units and assignments, some overseas. Imagine, Allen and others who have been For the first time in their military careers, those denied a much-anticipated overseas assignment, who stayed would serve under all-white battalion wielding pickaxes and shovels, shoulder-to-shoul- commanders and Allen would enter the war in der with conscientious objectors, German POWs Korea. and Mexicans, all battling the same raging fire in Without access to his military records, there Idaho! What thoughts went through their minds is no way of knowing for sure the details of with on that fire are all but lost to history, and there whom he served or what happened to him and his were many others. unit in Korea. We do know that he was captured Allen could have been with medic Malvin in 1950 and was a POW until the end of the war Brown (PNOR-45) on Brown’s Aug. 6, 1945, in 1953. fatal jump on Oregon’s Lemon Butte. He could During an interview years later, when asked have been one of the 72 Triple Nickles who joined about his wartime experience in Korea, Allen an- 10 CPS jumpers Aug. 17-18 on the Long Tom swered proudly, “I continued to serve my country Fire along the Salmon River, Idaho, or one of as a prisoner of war.” Col. Allen’s military decora-

Check the NSA website 6 National Smokejumper Reunion tions include the Army Commendation Medal, ties for minority students in the health field. awarded for consistent acts of heroism or meri- Allen retired again in 1986. The initial curios- torious service. ity that drew me to stare at his image, although far Long after Korea, the original members of from complete, is now somewhat satisfied. the 555th met for a reunion at Fort Bragg. It was On Sept. 1, 1993, Col. Allen made his last decided then that they should form a reunion jump, a proud member of the first all-black cadre steering committee and Allen was designated its of officers to lead the first all-black Army Para- first chairman. That was the origin of what is now chute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple the 555th Parachute Infantry Association. Nickles, and as a veteran of two wars. As we re- In retirement Allen moved to the Washington, cord his story here, we again remember, Good men D.C., area where he began his civilian career. He must die, but death cannot kill their names. joined what was then the Department of Health, We now have a name and know a little of the Education and Welfare. Much of his work in the story of a dangerous life once lived: Lt. Col. 1970s involved increasing educational opportuni- Clifford Allen, (Ret.), 1920-1993.

George Gowen: A “Bro” For Sure by Ian Dooley (Fairbanks ’08)

met George Gowen (MSO-54) at Three ing his one season at MSO George bagged seven Guys, a Greek diner on Madison Avenue in practice jumps and two fire jumps, and jumped IManhattan. George was wearing a light gray from just about every type of jump ship available. suit and a red patterned tie, and I was wearing one George jumped out of the DC-2, DC-3, Ford Tri- of the cheap suits I had bought when I moved to Motor, Twin Beech, and the Travelair! George’s New York for law school. first fire jump was Aug. 14, 1954, on a fire called I did not know then that George would end up Crooked River #4. being one of my closest friends in New York, and The Crooked River # 4 was a two-manner, that he and his wife, Marcia, would be two of the single-tree fire that George and his jump partner hardest people to say “so long” to when I left. extinguished in one night and then demobed via When George and I first met for breakfast at pickup truck the next day. Three Guys in 2013, we began a tradition that George’s second fire jump was Sept. 2, 1954. would endure for the next six years. I had been The Buck Creek Fire was an eight- or 12-manner awarded the National Smokejumper Association burning on the Payette National Forest. Art Jukkala/Jon McBride Scholarship for educa- In his memoir, Talk of Many Things, George tion, and the folks at the NSA asked George to recalls it was his parachute catching on a snag present the award letter to me. that saved him from blowing clear over the Buck George made time to meet with me on his way Creek jump spot, and that kept him from sailing to the law firm that he worked at since 1957. I into the deep leeside canyon. He and the other had just finished my first year at Brooklyn Law jumpers spent a couple of nights on the fire before School and my first summer internship teaching weather came in and knocked the fire out. inner city youth in Newark, N.J. After one year in George told me how the jumpers demobed via New York City, I was starving for a good conver- helicopter from the Buck Creek Fire, and how he sation with someone who appreciated hard work regretted that he never experienced a painstaking in the woods. It was a breath of fresh air to meet a packout. I always laughed when we talked about fellow smokejumper. this, and had to admit that as an Alaska Smoke- George rookied in Missoula in 1954, and dur- jumper, my packouts were limited to the times

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 7 www.smokejumpers.com I jumped out of the Great Basin or Redmond jump bases. (There is nowhere to pack out to in Alaska!) Like so many challenges as a firefighter, I think packouts are things I endured in the moment and looked back on fondly, so I understand why George would long for that experience. I learned over time that the experiences George and I had as jumpers, law students, and lawyers had many parallels. George and I both got our start working for the U.S. Forest Service in Or- egon, and we both had our first fire experiences when we were called away from our regular duties to assist in fire operations. George was acting as a lookout on the Wallowa National Forest in 1953 when he was dispatched to his first fire in Hells Canyon. On the Hells Canyon Fire, George saw jumpers for the first time as they deployed to assist in the suppression George Gowan (MSO-54) congratulates NSA Scholarship win- effort. ner Ian Dooley (FBX-08) in 2013. (Courtesy George Gowan) George would apply for and earn a position with MSO’s class of 1954. The next year he would that surrounded me after my chute opened. go to University of Virginia Law School, and then During my almost seven years in New York take a job at a firm in New York City, where he is City, George and I had countless breakfasts at a partner, and where he has worked for more than Three Guys, dinners at some of the finest restau- 60 years. rants in the city, and dinners at his Upper East My first assignment for the Forest Service was Side apartment with his wife, Marcia, and my toting around a chainsaw to clear trails on the girlfriend Ellie. Mount Hood National Forest. I was dispatched When we went out to eat, George never let me in 2000 as part of a 20-person crew to the Hash pay. In fact, the only time I got to pay for a meal Rock Fire burning on the Ochoco National For- was when I sneaked my credit card to the waiter, est, which was where I saw Hotshots working for and surreptitiously paid for our Italian dinner. the first time. I became a Rogue River Hotshot in George and Marcia also had me and my former the spring of 2003 and an Alaska Smokejumper in girlfriend out to their place in the East Hamptons, 2008. which was a whole other type of world. I remem- I left Alaska in 2012, moved to New York City, ber how George told me that blue and white were graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 2015, the only colors allowed to be worn at the local and took my first legal job working in the Bronx country club, and how the turf on the tennis as a public defender. courts was real grass. I remember how Marcia George and I also remember our first practice drove us around and pointed out where Steven jumps well. George jokes in his book how he Spielberg’s massive property was and mentioned did not need to be pushed out of the door of the how so many wealthy people had taken over the plane during that first jump. Neither did I. area since her father bought their beautiful home George’s parachute opened up in western Mon- way back when. tana, surrounded by the Northern Rockies. My I learned how George and Marcia traveled the parachute opened up in the hills outside of Fair- world far and wide. They have hilarious stories banks, with the Alaska Range looming distantly about their hike into Kennecott Mine in Alaska, to the south. Like George, one thing I remember their whirlwind romance that began on a ship in from my first practice jump was the “total silence” the middle of the Atlantic, and their European

Check the NSA website 8 National Smokejumper Reunion defender as a kind of involuntary placement, even though this was a job I fought hard to get and believed in very much. George never hesitates to reach out to his friends in Alaska, or Maine, or wherever, when he thinks I might have a new friendship to gain, or a possible job opportunity. I regretted not reaching out to his friend in Anchorage when I was there last year – fly fishing with Doug Carroll (FBX-94) kept me too busy on the river! For me, George has been the finest of a bro that a bro can be. For the older jumpers and jumper spouses reading this, you may be rolling your eyes at my use of the word “bro.” And before I became an Alaska Smokejumper, I would have rolled my eyes, too. But I have learned that a bro is someone who can be trusted, who is reliable and predictable, Ian Dooley and George Gowan in 2019 (Courtesy I. Dooley) and who will give his left shoe so that the two of you can walk down the road together, each bare- footed on one foot. George Gowen, who jumped and Asian adventures. George even rode aboard one season 65 years ago, is a bro for sure. His the Itasca as it motored past the Arctic Circle and dedication to smokejumping and to smokejump- through the Northwest Passage. ers is unimpeachable. I appreciated George telling me how we shared George was one of my first friends in New a wanderlust and compulsion to seek out adven- York City, and is among my longest standing ture and challenge. friends from that crazy metropolis. When I got At our many meetings, I often brought off the plane back in 2012, I had come almost George a book like The Perfect Storm or Robert directly from Fairbanks with my guitar, a box, and Dallek’s biography on John F. Kennedy. George, my packout bag filled to the brim. I did not really in turn, would sometimes bring me a book, but know anyone in New York, until I met George. more often he brought me one or two of the From that point on, I knew I had a bro who had latest editions of the NSA’s Smokejumper maga- my back. zine. As a longstanding member of the National On April 22, 2019, some six years after we first Smokejumper Association, George volunteers his met, George and I stood outside of Three Guys legal expertise to make sure the magazine and its to have our photo taken for a second time, and to managing partners are following the rules of the take stock of how things had changed or remained charter. the same. George also served on the board of NSA, and The manager who took our photo back in if you search for George’s name and the word 2013 graciously agreed to take our photo again. “Missoula” on Google, you will see how often he He still called George “Mr. George,” and he still is mentioned in the magazine as a contributor, asked me about smokejumping, and told me friend, and steward of smokejumper history and about his deer hunting exploits in upstate New ethos. York. The picture was taken in almost the exact George has been to countless smokejumper same place as six years earlier, with New York taxis reunions, and will never forget the brains and eggs zooming by behind us on Madison Avenue, and at the Oxford Café. the old Whitney Museum building leering in the George always asks about my plans and where I background. want to go. I think he viewed my work as a public George Gowen – a bro for sure.

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 9 www.smokejumpers.com Celebrating Sixty Years of Alaska Smokejumping by Murry A. Taylor (Redding ’65)

uesday, June 11—Sitting at Seattle Ta- (some of whom I knew when they were mere coma International waiting for my flight pups) working there, jumping fires, moving cargo, Tto Fairbanks and watching people obsess- (showing off photos of their kids), and still having ing over their cell phones, I was trying to remain a fine time was special beyond words. calm, trying not to be grumpy, trying to resist Let me make an apology here: I can’t imagine thoughts about how these phones are destroy- doing this piece without including a bunch of ing brain cells and turning modern people into names. Some of these people some of you will mindless dolts. Suddenly, I looked up and saw a know; others not so much. To those whose names smokejumper—no phone in sight. “I know that do not appear here, I apologize; there were just so guy,” I mumbled to myself. He then turned and many. Also, unless I know these folks current posi- began walking away. I jumped up, “Hey, Brollier?” tions, I’m going to leave them out. I called out, causing people to briefly gaze up from Right off in the Ready Room, the fun began their phones, snake-eyed. with handshakes and big smiles: Rob Yeager “Hey, Murry.” It was Jake Brollier (RDD-95), (RDD-92—Crew Sup.), Tom Kubichek (FBX- brother to Justin Brollier (NIFC-01). I jumped 90—Operations), Al “Togie” Wiehl (FBX-91— with both these fine lads back in the day and Loft Foreman), Ty Humphrey (FBX-98), Gabe roomed with their Dad, Phil Brollier (BOI-71) Lydic (FBX-99), Jeff “Itchy” McPhetridge (MYC- in Fairbanks during the mid-70s. Suddenly, the 93), plus some others. After about an hour of that world was a better place. (renewed male bonding frenzy), we went over to Hey, Murry, indeed. Jake was on his way to the Fire Service Specialists office and had a long Alaska with nine other boosters from the Great talk with John Lyons (FBX-90—Manager of FSS). Basin crew at NIFC. We talked and laughed— John’s office walls are filled with crew photos a fine moment. I remember him when he was going clear back to the days of the original AFS a newborn, baldheaded, and barely bigger than fire crews, first run by Quillin and Jay Peterson a football. Soon the other nine showed up, all (ANC-71). looking fit and handsome like only jumpers can. It became clear during our talk how much On the plane, I sat next to Joshua Domingues pride had been maintained and held dear in the (NIFC-17). He’d read Jumping Fire, was sharp as a organization over the years regarding both the tack, and knew a lot about the history of his crew: Chena and the Midnight Sun Hotshots. What a the Arroyo Grande Hotshots, and that of the Los legacy, and what a bunch of top people keeping Prietos Hotshots, the Mark Linane, Stan Stewart, that going. and Chris “Woody” Woods legacies, as well. At lunch in the chow hall, Quillin and I ate Waiting at baggage claim in Fairbanks was with Rod Dow (MYC-68), Evan Simmons (IDC- none other than Bob Quillin (FBX-71). Dapper 68), Tom Boatner (FBX-80), and a few others. and fit as ever, Bob had come to take me to his What a blast, sitting there in that same room as palatial estate on Chena Ridge—my home for the I had done hundreds of times, eating and watch- next six days. Wednesday, Bob and I went out to ing the young jumpers looking so strong, and the base at Fort Wainwright. It’s hard to describe the other crews excited by their lives fighting fire. the feelings that brought on. I jumped in Alaska It’s damned good to know that some of what we for 20 years and had left part of my heart there helped build back in the day is still alive and well when I left in 2000. Seeing the jumpers again in the spirits of these young firefighters.

Check the NSA website 10 National Smokejumper Reunion That afternoon a few of us gathered on the Big Mac’s weigh-in, Don Bell and the Rollagons, deck at Pike’s Landing for “just a couple of beers.” “Chickenhawk,” rookie initiations, Al Dutton and Bob Quillin and I, plus Lee Gossett (RDD-57) the Volpars, midnight sunsets, and mystical flights and John Manley (CJ-62), enjoyed the afternoon through clouds only known to the Gods—and us. shooting the bull about the old days when we The next morning (Friday), we met at the base were young and handsome and looked good with for the first official gathering. As Quillin parked our shirts off. Really fun! his pickup in the parking lot, I noticed one thing Thursday morning Bob and I went out to the that had changed for sure. These modern jumpers Ken Kunkle Community Center on Goldstream had really nice cars (mostly pickups), fancy ones, Road to help Dow and Company put up some no dents, no taped tail lights. Back in my time, parachutes and get the place ready for Friday we had cars with famous names: The Trout, The night. A huge thanks to Rod, Evan Simmons, Duck, White Trash, The Armadillo, and The Stal- and the Fairbanks locals who did so much to lion. pull this whole thing off. Another epic run of old Anyway, walking over onto the lawn, I began Bros were in attendance, bantering, laughing, and to see the Bros. The yard at the Shack had grown generally renewing our skills at picking on each up nicely in the ten years since I was last up there other . . . and (brace yourself), “just a couple of at the 50-Year Celebration. Dow and Simmons beers.” People there: Dow and Simmons, Chris and Company had hung up some chutes, which Silks (FBX-91), Mike McMillan (FBX-96), Ken radiated bright orange and white in the morn- Coe (FBX-80), Lance Clouser (FBX-85), Murray ing sun. On the lawn someone had attempted to Lawson (NCSB-73), Willy Lowden (NCSB-72), build a parachute hootch, one with which Quillin Ron Lund (FBX-64), Bob Mauck (FBX-79), and took immediate umbrage. “Acckk, that’s the worst more. looking hootch I’ve ever . . . out on the Seward That afternoon at Pike’s was the first big com- in ’77. . . not a tree in a hundred . . .” I assured ing together. It was one of those perfect Fairbanks Bob that it was just for show, but that “disgrace- summer afternoons with a big dome of blue sky, ful attempt at a jumper hootch” put him a cloudy scattered clouds, and sun sparkling on the Chena mood almost until lunch. There were at least 70 River. Right off, there they were: our Band of people present. I’ll not name those already men- Brothers laughing and carrying on in the way we tioned, though most were there. Here are the ones always had—And yeah, you guessed it; “just a (I think) I remember: Shawn McKenna (FBX-79), couple of beers.” People there: All the ones at the Gary Mclean (FBX-79), Richard Fort (FBX-80), Kunkel Center that morning plus George Steele Scott Lusk (FBX-81), Cindy Lusk (RAC-87), (NCSB-72), Davis Perkins (NCSB-72), Frank Bruce Nelson (FBX-81), Oded Shalom (FBX-95), Domingues (RDD-89), Mark Motes (RDD-86), Mike Silva (RDD-72), Bill Meadows (ANC-66), Bert Mitman (RAC-70), Gary “Pop” Johnson Bill Robertson (MSO-57), Chuck Kase (LGD- (FBX-74), Dave Stephens (FBX-76), Paul Ban- 74), Charlie Brown (FBX-88), Chip Houde nister (FBX-91), Chris “Woody” Woods, George (FBX-88), Gene Bartell (MSO-67), Lynn Palatino Battaglia (RAC-78), Jim “Andy” Anderson (MYC- (RDD-69), Dick Hughes (MSO-64), Bob Ma- 74), Steve “Bubba” Baker (NCSB-88), Lynn “T- loney (MYC-64), Johnny Kirkley (CJ-64), John Hangar Lynn” Coe, Chris “Tuffy” Farinetti (FBX- Leclair (MYC-77), Jay Wattenbarger (FBX-92), 79), John McColgan (FBX-89), Dave Witmer and—like I’ve said before—a whole bunch more. (FBX-92), Steve Nemore (RAC-69), and others. To add to the excitement, the base was jumped- What an extraordinary evening there, to- out, more boosters were on order, and it was “hot gether, once more remembering and recalling and dry out west.” all we enjoyed in the great State of Alaska: the From the base we hopped in rigs and headed C-rats, the lost fires, the bears, bleeping rats, the east out around the golf course and across the old T-Hangar, the Snoose Locker, the McGrath Chena River to watch a practice jump. I rode Vortex, the I-hear-you-walkin’-chair, the Golavin in Mike Silva’s pickup with Bob Mauck, and Bay Massacre, the all night beat at Unalakleet, “Tuffy” Farinetti. Mike drove. They jumped two

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 11 www.smokejumpers.com eight-man loads. That was really good since, busy (FBX-01), C.R. Holder (MSO-70), Tony Marchi- as they were, the base didn’t have all that many ni (FBX-01), John Dibert (FBX-96), Billy Cramer parachutes in reserve. But that’s another thing I’ve (NIFC-90 – Base Manager), Brian Fitzsimmons always loved about Alaska and the BLM. When (MSO-70). Mike “MacDaddy” McMillan took a we have reunions, they jump. No hemming and great group photo and more slides were shown. hawing. No bureaucratic handwringing, just have Along about 11:00, a Big Flip was organized. By a couple practice jumps. then I was too tired to join in, so ducked out the That afternoon was the first of the two big back with John Culbertson and headed home. evenings at the Ken Kunkle Center. Again we had Two days later, I flew home. Waiting at the a perfect Fairbanks summer afternoon, golden Fairbanks gate, I was joined by Willy Lowden and light, scattered clouds, a few thunderheads and George Battaglia. Flying up through the clouds, crepuscular rays in the west. Some people (not I looked down at the green greatness of the state yet mentioned) that were there: Woody Salmon that had been such a rich and wonderful part of (FBX-73), Gary Baumgartner (FBX-88), Mike my working/jumping life. As you might imagine, Bradley (FBX-95), Robert Walker (ANC-71), this reunion was a time of times. So much good Victor Nicholas (FBX-69), John Culbertson cheer and joy. We have much for which to be (FBX-69), Mark Stevens (FBX-92), Ben Dobro- thankful. Most of what we’ve been able to accom- volny (FBX-04), Joe Don Morton (RDD-95), and plish as individuals was possible due to the com- Steve Theisen (FBX-86). Again it was “a couple of munity we built together: a community of trust, beers,” some jump stories, really great food from loyalty, a whole lot of adventure, and (perhaps the local Bros – caribou, moose, sheep, the usual most of all) a hell of a lot of fun. As I said at the faire up north. beginning of this article, a part of my heart will Epic tales of the Grumman Goose, the Turkey always be in Alaska. Up there with the ones of the Dougs, the All Night Pound on Norton Sound, old days, those there now, and even the ones yet Fire B-043, the Old Wainwright Fire Hall Standby to come. Shack, midnight meals at the Air Force cafeteria in In that regard, I wrote this sometime in the Galena, Old Leathersack, Troy Hodges’ business mid-’90s: card with all the Bros in front of the New Standby Out There Shack, shooting moons of various shades of pale- Out there … sailing below the peaks, above the ass white. The season of ’77, ’88, ’91,’94, and rivers and lakes … 2000 were told to uproarious laughter and “This my spirit lives and belongs to the wind is no shit” levels of credibility. “Pops” Johnson Out there … beyond the sunset, in spruce thickets and Steve Nemore, plus a few others, had some with newborn caribou and suckling wolf pups great slides to share; they brought on a whole lot … my spirit lives and belongs to the earth of laughing and yelling mixed with scenes of great country and absolute wonder. The next day (Saturday), people visited the base as they had Friday. Personally, I spent it at Quillin’s trying to get well after staying up around National Smokejumper the campfire at the community center with John- ny Culbertson and a bunch of late-niters—some Reunion just in off fires—until three that morning. By this time there was a lot more going on than “just a June 26–28, 2020 couple of beers.” That afternoon it was the Kunkle Center again in Boise, Idaho with a lot of the same people. Some new ones were Tony Pastro (FBX-77), Rick Thompson (FBX-89), Doug Carroll (FBX-94), Matt Allen Prepare to Prepare! (FBX-95), Kip Shields (FBX-04), Randy Foland

Check the NSA website 12 National Smokejumper Reunion ODDS AND ENDS

by Chuck Sheley England to participate in this event. Congratulations and thanks to Dave Dave Wood (RAC-66) after receiv- Lancaster (GAC-63), Kris ing the latest issue of Smokejumper: Kristofors (RDD-64) and Doug “Today was not a good day to get Beck (CJ-70) who just became our my online issue of the Smokejumper latest Life Members. magazine for two reasons. First, the KYW News Laruen Lipton (4/21/19): introductory article raising questions Philadelphia celebrating a famous about fire management/suppression. Philly tree ahead of Arbor Day—Right Secondly, I decided to take a Sisters, Or- here in Philadelphia we have a very egon, trailer trip. My intention was to drive important tree growing with quite a to the top of McKenzie Pass, as I have done history behind it. numerous times, and enjoy being among the “The ‘Moon Tree’ is in Washington gorgeous mountains and forests. Square Park,” said Susan Edens, a historical “Alarmingly, I found myself among miles landscape architect. It got there because of Stu- of burned forests soon after starting up the art Roosa (CJ-53), who was an astronaut and Pass as well as a blocked road stopping my before that was a smokejumper for the Forest journey. I sat at the blocked road for a long time Service. In 1971, Roosa was part of a mission to and questioned why. land on the moon and the Forest Service asked “I remember when I was a 12-year smoke- him to be part of an experiment to bring tree jumper and spotter out of Redmond. I would seeds into space to see if they would germinate take a DC-3 full of jumpers right behind a once back on Earth.” thunderstorm. At the first sign of a smoke, two Edens says Roosa agreed to the Forest Ser- jumpers were out and on it. vice’s request and put 500 different kinds of “I do understand the accumulation of fuels seeds in his own kit while orbiting the moon. over the years, as well as other factors, but are the “On his return, the seeds were successfully jumpers being allowed to be aggressive on fires germinated, and the first of the bicentennial or are they being cut back to save government? ‘Moon Trees’ was planted in Washington Square “Some people have to do some serious think- Park,” Edens explained. “The tree that is now in ing, and I too believe it is our right to question... Washington Square is not the original tree. We as being a smokejumper was a passion.... and, it have had several of them, as they don’t seem to never leaves.” thrive here. So what we’ve done is make a clone Ernie Hartley (MSO-62): “Well, your latest article from that original tree.” (July, 2019) on the 2017 Lolo Peak Fire made Del Hessel (MYC-59): “I have been coaching (Track me mad. Mad, once again, at the incompetent & Field) several high school kids at various management practices/mismanagement of USFS, schools. After 11 years of refereeing major college apparently based on a lack of knowledge of both conference meets, I retired last year.” traditional fire suppression practices and of tra- Associate member Len Kosup, who lives in Frank- ditional Smokejumper capability. lin, WV, sent along a newspaper article about a “You point out that Smokejumpers have suc- C-47 that has been restored and will fly in the cessfully jumped on other fires in the past into 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. You will that same area and controlled fires while still be reading this long after the event. There will be small. You ask, does it sound like a “well-oiled a contingent of more than 30 C-47s that flew to machine” when a two to four-man fire is allowed

June 26–28, 2020 in Boise 13 www.smokejumpers.com to burn to more than 53,000 acres at a cost of al- My last assignment was as the CAL FIRE River- most $50,000,000. AND, has management for- side Unit/Riverside County Fire Chief at Perris, gotten what the Smokejumpers are trained for? CA. Was great job. Loved it. I miss the people “Thanks for your article. I read it to my wife and the emergencies but don’t miss the drama last night, and she asked, ‘Does the Smokejump- and stress. er magazine get mailed to USFS Administrative “Thank you very much for all you do and for offices throughout the country?’ the magazine. I just received the July 2019 edi- “I don’t know the NSA policy on distribution tion and have briefly read a few of the articles. of the mag, but I do think staff and administra- Michael T. Rains (Assoc) was my classmate and tive personnel could learn a thing or two from roommate at Humboldt State University during those of us who have put out the nation’s for- the mid to late 60s. est fires. Every issue of Smokejumper documents “Please keep charging. I love what you are do- our members’ personal experiences and how dif- ing and writing. Best wishes and, as always, please ficulties are confronted and brought under con- take care, be safe, have fun and live the FF dream.” trol. Keep up the good work!” Howard Chadwick (MYC-52): “Thanks for print- Sunil Ramalingam (NIFC-93) was just selected ing my story Cuisine of an Idaho Fire Lookout. (July 2019) from a large field of applicants for the A great article by you on the Lolo Peak Fire. Nez Perce County Magistrate Judge position. He The centerfold on Mann Gulch—Bob Sallee was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Univ. (MCO-49) was a classmate of mine at the Univ. of Idaho College of Law prior to his selection. of Idaho. He was the one who got me interested Sunil used his firefighting jobs to put him- in smokejumping.” self through the University of California at Da- Cole Macpherson (MSO-55) made a significant vis before going to law school. From the Davis donation to the Good Sam Fund in honor of a Fire Crew, he went on to jump four seasons at number of our members. I would like to list those NIFC. Good luck in your new job, Sunil! people in this column and print Cole’s letter: John Hawkins (Assoc) retired from Cal Fire last “This tribute is on behalf of some super people December (2018) after 55 seasons on the job. I’ve that it was my good fortune to know, like, respect never heard of anyone in wildfire being on the job and be thankful for their friendships. These as long as John. On behalf of the NSA member- guys gave more than they expected to receive. ship, I want to congratulate John on his retirement God bless their character—Jim Manion, Hans and thank him for his many years of valuable Trankle, Steve Clairmont, Chuck Sheley (his service to the public and wildfire community. strength and devotion), Ed Henry, Jim Spence In the 80s when I was heading up the Type and John Mackinnon.” II Crew Program for the Mendocino N.F., I had From Larry Lufkin (CJ-63) (King 5 News-Sebastian the opportunity to work closely with Cal Fire at Robertson, Laura Fattaruso): “Saturday marks 50 times. I remember an Engine Capt. at a station years since the historic Apollo 11 mission. But here in Chico who was about as hardnosed as the missions that came before and after helped set they come. My young firefighters were afraid to foundation for the understanding of our universe. deal with him at times. “At the corner of Capitol Way and 14th Av- One morning I stopped by the station and enue in Olympia, just feet from the State house, Hector’s demeanor was completely changed. you’ll see a tree that looks just like any another. He was actually social and semi-humble as he The Douglas fir tree was grown from a seed that moved around his engine at lightning speed. I visited the moon in the pocket of Apollo 14 as- asked him what was going on today. A very ner- tronaut Major Stuart Roosa (CJ-53) in 1971. vous Hector replied, “John Hawkins is coming “The Apollo 14 mission was the third to suc- for an inspection today.” cessfully put men on the moon. Roosa, the pi- Parts of an email from John: “I retired from lot, was a former Forest Service smokejumper. CAL FIRE on December 26, 2018, after work- This tree is just one of 100 believed to be alive ing 55 fire seasons and 52 or so retirement years. around the country today.”

Check the NSA website 14 National Smokejumper Reunion Leadership Part I: Western Hardscrabble by J. Jay Jones (Associate)

ficult terrain, we’d tie a rope to a tree trunk, head The Early Days down a 70-degree slope holding onto the rope good friend of mine, who had just received with one hand, and build trail one-handed with his squeaky-clean master’s degree in Public a Pulaski in the other. Today, many people shake AAdministration, was offered an appoint- their heads at this kind of “do-whatever-it-takes” ment on the Siuslaw National Forest’s Waldport attitude, but that’s just the way it was. District as an administrative officer. In what may During my first year working forestry, I had no have been a rescue attempt, to extract me from my particular motivation at becoming a leader, but as family’s influence and the curse of being a fourth- fate would have it, one person after another failed generation railroader, he facilitated my being hired in his assigned leadership role and I eventually as a firefighter way back in 1974. ended up with the radio. Waldport was on the coast of Oregon and, I acquired this leadership role by default and I although I had never actually met one, the Bull- knew it. I retained this status by having two rather of-the-Woods was a legend in the Pacific North- minor virtues. I didn’t initiate radio communica- west. Stories about them permeated the woods tions and I also wouldn’t let anyone else use it. and surrounding settlements. Those unfamiliar This qualified me as a de facto squad leader since I with the term will do well to regard this illustrious controlled the radio. officeholder as the lead negotiator in managing all I may not have actively sought this role, but I the contracts pertaining to work in the woods. learned some important lessons about leadership This arbitrator was selected out of all the from using the radio, that technological totem of woods workers in the region by the liberal em- command. Firstly, leadership is a responsibility to ployment of fists, muscles, and other readily others, not a right to lordship. If you go around available means of hardscrabble persuasion. At throwing your authority in a subordinate’s face the time of my hire, there was a natural animosity willy-nilly, you’ll undermine your own authority. between government workers and private contrac- Either the subordinate rebels or your supervisor tors; it raged in constant low-grade conflicts. seeks someone with more finesse. Shortly after arriving in Waldport, I witnessed I also discovered how important it is to learn a logger leave a bar briefly, come back in with his how to say “no,” mean it, and stick by your deci- chainsaw, and start it up with every intention of sion. If you keep changing your mind about the giving a U.S. Forest Service employee a haircut. decisions you’ve laid down, your indecisiveness The Waldport District fire management officer will open the door to gratuitous challenges from kept us busy with prescribed burning; we worked subordinates who have watched you buckle under 12 or more hours every day of the week. We put duress. No one will take you seriously at that in extensive hose lays in the predawn hours before point. And that’s just one of the many ways you burning and then pulled those same hose lays out can undermine your own authority. after the sun went down. Probably the most common motivation to seek Everyone was expected to use a chainsaw. We leadership springs from having been under bad didn’t get classroom training; we usually got a leadership. Even if you don’t want to be a leader, tailgate briefing with a few chilling remarks about you may decide that it’s better to accept the role of being careless, and then were turned loose on the leadership than to have some incompetent – who forest. can’t do the job effectively – bossing you around. Felling trees at night was no big deal; it just I’d had several years of firefighting experience took longer. When we had to build trail in dif- in Oregon by the time I’d joined Chuck Sheley’s

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 15 www.smokejumpers.com (CJ-59) Mendocino National Forest Type II fire- 9,000 to 10,000 strikes. fighter Program in Chico, Calif. While local par- At some point, they needed a helispot manager ticipation varied, Chico, Davis, Quincy, Oroville, to go out with several crews and decided I should Red Bluff, and Redding managed to field crews go with them. I ended up on an island in the mid- with varying degrees of success, sometimes with dle of a swamp with nine native hand crews and entire crews returning year after year. a command team. smokejumper Jack Firestone Chico managed to field as many as a dozen (MYC-75) was in charge of the command team. crews some years. Gordon Brazzi (RDD-66), Jack immediately struck me as the kind of who supervised a Type 1A 20-person hand crew man who didn’t have to be taught anything about with the Mendocino National Forest for several command presence. He had me organize the crews years, drew heavily from a large pool of the fire- into a work party to construct a helipad. Using fighters who stayed with the program year after 30-foot logs, we built a walkway from the island year. into the swamp and raised a crosshatched pad for During this time, Chuck supplemented our medium-sized helicopters to set down on. Then basic Guard School/Rookie School training with a the crews departed to the fire. squadleader training course given through a local Meanwhile, I tied a rock to some parachute junior college. This was valuable training for the cord and threw it over the top of a tree. Then I Type II pickup crews, a big improvement over the hauled a Dahl antenna into its heights, hooked previous hardscrabble school of training. For one it up to my radio, and tied the radio to the end thing, it gave a sense of legitimacy to privately, of the parachute cord so it would swing in the contracted firefighters by documenting firefight- breeze. I started ordering up supplies from the ing experience, increasing our competency and base camp that was a bit more than 20 miles away. professionalism, and it upped our self-confidence My routine two-hour requests for supply updates and morale. were routinely ignored. Following that experience, I re-entered gov- When Jack got back to camp, I updated him ernment service as a regular employee, alternat- on the situation. Jack was a bigger man than I ing between the USFS and the Bureau of Land was. As his eyes grew wide and his lips grew nar- Management for many years. As always, training row, I thought about that Bull-of-the-Woods I opened up opportunities for advancement. I can’t had never met – until now, maybe – and I got emphasize that enough – no training, no advance- nervous as I saw his temper rising. ment. Jack spotted my radio hanging in the breeze During one fire season, I was sent to Alaska for and his eyes flashed as he grabbed it. He called the my first time, something I’d always wanted to do. supply base. His repertoire of cuss words ran the I ended up on a Twin Otter, with a full load of gambit as he cursed and cajoled the base camp. other single resources, headed for a landing strip He demanded whoever was in charge and then he that seemed right out of the movie Air America launched into a lengthy accusation that was fol- with Mel Gibson. lowed by demands for immediate action. We dropped onto a landing strip that ran When he was done, he threw the radio at the uphill, crested the top of the knoll, went slightly swamp. Arrested in flight by the parachute cord, airborne again, then dropped into a saddle, and the radio came swinging back and forth in the finally rolled out atop a second knoll with a wide wind; it bestowed a Doppler effect upon the voice turnout. of the camp supply officer issuing from it. As soon as I departed the Twin Otter, I was “Jack! Now, Jack! Will you just calm down for assigned to the helicopter deck. I spent several one minute? I’m sure we can sort this out. Jack? hours compiling passenger manifests, briefing You hear me, Jack? You still there, Jack? Jack? hand crews, building cargo nets, and, in general, Did you hear me, Jack? Jack? Jack? You listening, helping to organize an airlift for all the arriving Jack?” resources on their way out to various wildfires that Well, Jack had walked away and he wasn’t had broken out following a lightning bust of from listening. The supplies, however, started arriving

Check the NSA website 16 National Smokejumper Reunion 20 or 30 minutes later. Jack came down to the results with a grin. helipad and watched the supplies rolling in. There Jack’s method in leadership convinced me that was a bit of a smug look of satisfaction on his face. there were times that it was better to do your duty That look convinced me that Jack hadn’t actually than to play it safe with your career. As you might been all that angry. His anger had just been a tool imagine, you don’t hear people talking on the he had used to get the ball rolling, to accomplish radio like that anymore. Consequently, the use of his objectives, and it had worked. He glanced at command presence, I am certain, has been greatly me, and I nodded my own satisfaction with his diminished – except perhaps by the untrained.

Leadership Part II The Eastern School of Law n Part I, I mentioned smokejumper Jack with an extended page with fine print on both Firestone (MYC-75) as an exemplar of early sides. That’s what made him Alaskan Mafia. He Ihardscrabble leadership. Jack was actually a was someone who could take over anywhere he good-natured guy, once you got to know him, but had to. I was at a helibase during the Yellowstone he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. The Western fires when I met him, and he wasn’t in charge; that hardscrabble style of leadership has clearly passed. was someone else from Alaska. Naturally, you’d want to know how these changes Innumerable people from the lower 48 re- came about. sented this cadre of super-qualified personnel. You might wonder how this state of affairs came about. Spotlight on the As I was informed, Alaska, at that time, had about 75 native crews for fire response in four Alaska Mafia designated fire zones. They designated 24 people If you think this subsection title is from out to supervise these four zones; that’s six people for of left field, then you’re obviously paying atten- each zone the size of Washington state. They were tion. Try to bear with me. It might have some trained to assume command wherever they went relevance. and do whatever was required of them. You see, at one time I’d heard stories about Well, this made sense in Alaska and was cost- that notorious organization called the Alaska efficient as well. It did, however, cause enormous Mafia. I can’t say for sure, but I met several people friction whenever they came south. There was who probably qualified for this dubious honor. enough friction for resentment to fuel a politi- One Alaskan – I believe his name was Jellavich – cal realignment in training and certification so showed me his fire card, and it seemed to explain they couldn’t keep jumping out of their zone and a lot. This gentleman had more qualifications on poaching on the lower 48’s fires. his fire card than anyone I had ever met. He was a firefighter, a crew leader, a division supervisor, a helitack crewmember, a helitack Modern leadership supervisor, a helicopter manager, a helitorch man- ager, a helispot manager, a helibase Manager, a responds to crisis helicopter coordinator, a fixed-wing base manager, At this late date, I couldn’t tell you who spe- an air tanker base manager … well, I hope you get cifically engineered the change, but it spelled a the idea. change in the way every firefighter’s credentials There was more. The fire card folded down are established and certified. This was before task

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 17 www.smokejumpers.com books were established, but the policies that were managed from the office. This is an unnecessary developed about this time began the process of distraction from the actual suppression of fire, but restricting the number of qualifications deemed too few want to acknowledge this is a strategic allowable. Clearly, the idea of just generating a misuse of tactical assets. All it does is insure that counterweight of equally super-qualified person- plenty of scapegoats will be available since those nel didn’t appeal to them. involved have been distracted by the need to drop Consequences followed. One of them is a high their shovels and pick up their pens. potential for denying advancement to merited It’s certainly not good to force incident com- personnel. Political interference by supervisors, manders to choose between suppressing their fires or others further up the chain of command, can and protecting themselves from potential litiga- sometimes be specious, sufficient to drive experi- tion. This is, perhaps, a subtle indication that enced firefighters out of the industry – something leadership has shifted its commitment away from I don’t think we can afford. current field operations to the future battles in the There are innumerable opportunities, and vari- courtroom. ous methods, to prevent advancement to people Combined with the previous unintended who have expressed – or want to express – valid consequences, it creates a perception that leader- criticisms of processes that occur in fieldwork. ship is not only divesting itself of responsibility One result is that field personnel aren’t as forth- for the actions of subordinates, but abandoning its coming in their after-action reviews if they antici- government mandate to safeguard its raison d’être. pate retribution upon their careers. If the government abandons its support of the The denial of training, and preventing or de- people it has hired to do a job, it has surrendered laying advancement, is an obvious tactic in keep- its own mandate. If it abandons its mandate, only ing thorny criticisms to a minimum. This adds a the private sector can take up the slack. significant political element to careers in firefight- If you review the history of firefighting com- ing. As I said earlier: no training, no advancement. panies in early New York City, you’ll come across Another consequence of the training and stories of competing fire companies arguing in the certification process is the embedding of liability street about whose responsibility a fire was – while into every document relating to fire suppression. the building burned down. Firefighting is inher- A particular concern is the pressure on firefighters ently a government mandate – and government to retain professional liability insurance. must support its agencies and, in particular, its It should be obvious what a negative effect personnel. this has on morale. It doesn’t just attack the chain Clearly, if leadership abandons the support of of command’s authority by pitting leadership department and bureau personnel, it will have against itself. Because once legal advocates become a deleterious effect on unit morale. The result- involved in investigations, the use of individual, ing increase of anxiety could lead to an exodus of self-serving justifications can work at cross- experienced professionals from the industry. purposes to other members of the same Type I or Leadership on this critical point begins at the Type II team. This is a political complication that very top. Fire officials, from the lowest levels to makes the interpretation of unfolding events in an the very top, should recognize that part of main- emergency situation far more complex. taining our government mandate is the need for The increasing demand for real-time documen- us to assume liability for our own personnel. To tation is concurrent with the retention of liability do otherwise is to surrender ourselves to defeat insurance; it intrudes upon a command team’s fire in detail as investigators attempt to divide leader- suppression efforts. This goes beyond the scope of ship from itself through the threat of litigation. I most tactical considerations, doesn’t it? think it is obvious that to abandon our support of How many incident commanders believe the agency personnel is a form of self-destruction. increased demand for real-time documentation of I have too often seen budgets whittled from their field operations provides them with tangible fire-suppression agencies because elected officials benefits? The incident commander is being micro- opted to short land-management agencies so as to

Check the NSA website 18 National Smokejumper Reunion curry the support of some constituent. “Things that will destroy America are Witness the 2003 Healthy Forest Initiative and prosperity at any price, peace at any price, the budgetary shortfalls. Elected representatives safety first instead of duty first, and love of come and go. They seek temporary advantage to soft living and the get-rich quick theory of their own political existence and willingly sacrifice life.” the nation’s resources in furtherance of their own —Theodore Roosevelt shortsighted agendas. It remains for fire indus- try officials to use the inertia of government to This is my way of saying that we could use a protect our priceless resources from the vagaries of little resurgence in the Western Hardscrabble style pork-barrel politics and government buck-passers. of leadership with a commitment to duty first Some of these elected officials would do well to rather than relying on the Eastern School of Law remember a plaque that used to hang in the Oval mode of leadership that plays it safe. It is both its Office. mode of thinking and its perception that I find disconcerting. “The Buck Stops Here.” I’m certainly not advocating we abandon safety, – Harry S Truman but I believe that the firefighting mission must take precedence over the army of micromanaging Troubling as these matters are, something lawyers and accountants who live in the office. We worse is that acquiring professional skills then must somehow verify, simplify, and de-politicize becomes a secondary concern. This is certainly a the protocols and procedures of training and cer- sad state of affairs when limiting public-relations tification without relinquishing our tactical assets damage becomes more important than preventing into the hands of a cadre of lawyers and adjudica- that damage in the first place. tors. Training is a feedback loop; training efficiency Hopefully, this would renew our commitment improves only when people respond with honest to our field personnel and give them cause to criticism in after-action reviews. And that depends celebrate. And as most wildland firefighters can on the moral support of field personnel by those attest, this is not a profession committed to soft above them in the chain-of-command. living or getting-rich-quick schemes. Something related to field operation efficiency concerns the centralization of functional tasks. This has increased – which means many people in support functions are disconnected from personal interaction with firefighting personnel. Support functions have often retreated to an only distant contact with field personnel. There is a sense that employees who are at risk in dangerous environ- ments can’t expect support personnel to share their urgency. Bureaucratic inertia has made an expanding role for litigators and accountants, but this comes at the expense of tactical assets. Judging from a field personnel’s perspective, it would seem that the drive to increase documentation and tracking it may be costing more than it is generating in benefits. This affects overall efficiency. While the use of the task book is intended to standardize training, there can really be no guar- antee of excellence, nor even competence. And intentions aren’t what you have to live with. J. Jay Jones (Courtesy J. Jones)

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 19 www.smokejumpers.com Snapshots from the Past

ling the drop because of dark- he announced. “I’ll give you ness. guys a choice. Anybody who But I was one of several eager wants to go home – I won’t jumpers tearing into our fire hold it against you. Who’s first? packs to retrieve the flashlights How bad do ya wanna jump?” we’d need to find our way to the I was first up to go anyway, fire. The first two jumpers stood so I shuffled up to the door, hooked up in the door. I was hooked up and stood ready. As I number three, waiting my turn went out the door, I didn’t give for the second two-man stick. the unusual hookup a second The aircraft flew over the let- thought. I had enough on my by Jeff R. Davis out point, the spotter slapped mind trying to see the jump (Missoula ’57) the first jumper on the leg, and spot in the growing twilight How Bad Do Ya the two jumpers quickly disap- below me. Wanna Jump? peared out the door. I trusted this spotter com- The static line anchor cable pletely. If he said the cable was I had moods when it came to fixed inside the plane went right OK, that was good enough for jumping fires. Sometimes I’d out the door with them. me. I had better things to think just as soon fly back to Mis- We hooked to the small di- about. soula and forget it; other times agonal cable aft of the door. If it The jump went as adver- I wanted that jump so bad I hadn’t been for the stop-blocks tised. My descent was as normal could taste it. fastened to each end of the as any of them: a tumbling, I was in a want-it-so-bad-I- cable, the jumpers’ parachutes twisting, half-inverted drop, could-taste-it mood one time would not have opened. But rudely arrested by the thump- on the way to a fire in the Salm- the blocks functioned as they ing jerk of my canopy-first- on River country. It was the were supposed to, both chutes deployed chute that made me summer of 1963. No jumper deployed, and the cable re- see red and forced a grunt clear in his right mind wanted a fire mained streaming out the door, through the mesh mask of my in the Salmon River – I’d had a attached only by the connection helmet, then a crashing tumul- bellyfull of those gobblers – but on the deck. It had broken loose tuous landing on that 28-foot this time was different. from the upper connect-point FS-2 canopy into the slammin’ It was nearly dark when our on the overhead cable. Salmon countryside. Business DC-3 arrived over the fire and I thought that was the end as usual. the spotters finished making the of this jump. But before we’d I found out later that half streamer passes over the steep gone clear around the pattern, of our 16-man load had opted terrain, a thousand feet below, the spotter had yanked the cable to jump the fire. Eight jumpers that passed for a jump spot. back inside, wrapped it back flew back home and eight of us That alone would usually quash up through the attach-point fought the fire alone. any desire to jump I had left. on the overhead cable, cleared I don’t remember a thing Jumps into that kind of ter- the slack, braced both feet, and about that fire. Only that I rain with marginal light was stood holding the loose end of wanted it badly enough to be asking for it. We were minutes the cable in his bare hands. the first to respond to the cry, away from our spotters cancel- “This thing’s perfectly safe”, “How bad do ya wanna jump?”

Check the NSA website 20 National Smokejumper Reunion Safe Zones vs Evacuation By Roads— There Is A Better Way by Chuck Sheley (Cave Junction ’59)

he Camp Fire that destroyed the town of have a football field. Paradise, CA, on Nov. 8, 2018, illustrated “ Like all problems, evacuation and safety Tthe need to revamp the thinking regard- zones present problems. It seems to me that safety ing the evacuation of communities threatened by zones were/are especially ignored. I know that I wildfire. People trying to leave in advance of the am only about 300 yards from the high school rapidly moving wildfire quickly overwhelmed the athletic fields and parking areas that could shelter road system. Hundreds of vehicles were aban- a lot of people. Like Paradise, we are vulnerable doned in the traffic jams. These vehicles further and have as many egress problems as anyone – exasperated the situation by making the road along with most, if not all, of the west side of the system almost impossible to navigate. Sierra Front. To my knowledge the Nevada City- In 2008 $20 million in federal funding was Grass Valley community does not have any safety allocated to improve the road out the upper end zones identified.” of Paradise. Regardless of the improvements, mov- As Dave said, safe zones also present problems. ing 20,000 on a road system is not the answer to Let’s explore ways to work out these problems and protect people in the face of advancing wildfire. see if we can’t come up with a better way to save Putting thousands of panicked people on the lives in the hundreds of communities that are in road systems is, in my opinion, a poor judgment danger of wildfire. call. The less road traffic—the better. Roads need First in the planning should be the establish- to be kept open for first responders including fire, ment of a community grid system that takes into medical and law enforcement. In many communi- consideration population density, current road ties, there are hospitals and assisted living facilities system capacity, and identifies areas that are al- that will need these roads for evacuation. ready safe zones. The more dense the population, As of this time there are 85 known fatalities as the more safe zones that are needed. Parking lots a result of the Camp Fire. Two of these fatalities and athletic fields are already in existence in most still remain unidentified. communities. Early on Dave Nelson (MSO-57) brought up After identifying existing safe zones in relation the idea of “safe zones” and “sheltering in place.” to the population, there will probably be a need His thoughts are spot-on and should be at the top to build more of these zones. However, they can of the list for future evacuation planning by our be built at a fraction of the expense of improving wildfire agencies. a road system to meet the evacuation needs of a From Dave’s email: “A sad fact, regarding the community. A safe zone does not have to be paved number of fatalities, is that many probably could to work. have been avoided by ‘sheltering in place.’ Many The biggest problem will be educating the situations, scary to terrifying, are survivable, not people who live in the communities. The people necessarily in your house. in Paradise knew they lived in an area where “I saw a number of areas where you could have wildfire appears on a regular basis. People are still probably weathered the flames especially if wet telling the local newspapers, and about anyone down or had a wet blanket – or better yet, in their who will listen, that they didn’t have the proper vehicle. For instance, the high school survived and warning. there was mention of the Paradise football team Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said evacu- being in the playoffs, so they more than likely ation orders were issued through 5,227 emails,

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 21 www.smokejumpers.com 25,643 phone calls and 5,445 texts, in addition to fire, every resident should have that information social media and the use of loudspeakers. As cell- on their refrigerator door. phone service went down, authorities went into The smart people will drive that route several neighborhoods with bullhorns to tell people to times a year and know the time necessary make leave, and that saved some lives. There is a limit as the trip. Just like we do in the school system— to what can be done. This fire advanced 6.7 miles practice fire drills ahead of time and have desig- in the first hour. nated assembly areas. If we can do it with the kids, On the other hand, I’ve heard from residents responsible adults should be able to duplicate their about many cases where the people heard, but efforts. ignored the warnings. There is a limit as to what Safe zones will need management to make sure the authorities can do. Somewhere along the line the parking is done in an efficient and organized people have to step up and assume responsibility manner. We do that at athletic and community for their actions and how well they are prepared, events—it can be duplicated here. Go back to or not prepared, for a wildfire. the WWII bomb shelters in London—volunteers If the safe zone concept is going to work, every handled the shelters and the block evacuations. individual in the community should have their The key is advanced planning and practice. safe zone identified ahead of time. Like the map Communities need to add the safe zone con- you get in your hotel room that shows you your cept to their wildfire evacuation plans. The next location and the evacuation route in the event of Camp Fire is coming soon.

Good Intentions And The Road To Hell by Murry Taylor (Redding ’65)

fter reading the Alaska smokejumper piece I haven’t jumped in Alaska since 2000 and be- in National Geographic, May 2019, I put ing pulled off fires too soon was a problem, even Aup a post on Facebook. Chuck saw it and back then. In my novel More or Less Crazy, I have asked if I might expand it for the magazine. So, showcased the Minchumina Fire as an example of here goes. how jumpers commit to an all-night effort, use a It was great to see a few of the jumpers I knew clever containment strategy, work their butts off back when they were just pups and I was the old and, in what borders on a miracle, contain it by dog growling at them. Hard to believe it’s been dawn. Later that morning, they are told they’re 20 years. Also, great photos, especially from Mike being pulled off. McMillan (FBX-96) of the jumper on final into a The Minchumina Fire is dramatized to en- spot with the pyrocumulus towering in the back- hance the book’s main storyline and, in the ground. end, the jumpers’ effort is redeemed by one of Overall, I thought the piece was fine, but what the main characters in a gutsy decision to defy hung me up and kept me (and several others who management. In real life this, is not the usual had read the article) awake nights was the story of outcome. Fire 320. I did some checking on Fire 320, and the dif- It was jumped, picked up by typical hard-hit- ficulties with this fire, in fact, were not so much ting action, only to be demobed early (for reasons management screw-ups as they were a series of lo- not clarified), then lost due to the replacement gistical glitches. It appears that a good faith effort crew’s fire tools not arriving in time. Then came was made to execute a swift and clean transition the huge amount of money, effort, and exposure from jumpers to replacement crews. to risk that followed. However, as we have all seen, one small snag in

Check the NSA website 22 National Smokejumper Reunion a complicated plan can have a domino effect caus- at the extreme stretch of the logistical support ing unexpected delays. system, and a low priority in the grand political Fire Operations Chief and ex-Alaska jumper scheme. Dave Whitmer (FBX-92) felt every bit as terrible “Again, I can’t remember the details, but it was about what went wrong and the ultimate fiasco as something like a chip light that grounded a heli- did the jumpers themselves. copter, followed by unexpected bad weather that This is from Jeff “Itchy” McPhetridge (MYC- precluded flights – that kind of stuff. 93), Incident Commander on the fire: “The specifics don’t really matter as there are a “We jumped it and worked it hard with piss- multitude of things that can, and do, go wrong in pumps and a hose lay, and caught it at 33 acres the Alaska fire environment that we all know, love, around 3 a.m. We went down for some rest and and to which we owe a great part of our best life were back on the line by 7 a.m. But there was a experiences.” big need for jumpers back in town, so we were Thanks to Jeff and Ken for that. Certainly told that we were being replaced by a Type IV I.C. when an organization commits to fighting thou- from Alaska Fire Service and a crew from Allaka- sands of wildfires in an area as logistically chal- ket. lenging as Alaska, things eventually go wrong. “We packed up and were taken by helicopter That’s a given. to Bettles. We got our gear ready thinking that we All in all, though, what still bothers me is a might make a load on the plane that was coming memory from the old T-Hangar on Fort Wain- for us, but it ran into weather problems, didn’t wright, back in the mid-1970s. Someone tacked show, so we spent the night there. up a cartoon they had drawn of a Jumpship flying “The next day we were waiting for our ride along, dropping jumpers, and a helicopter fol- when the Type IV I.C. guy showed up and wanted lowing with a giant butterfly net catching them to see our fire. So the helicopter flew him back out before they hit the ground. Forty-four years later, there. When they returned, I asked the helicopter the jumpers in the article refer to this practice as manager how the fire looked, and she showed me “Catch and Release.” Just sayin’. some photos. The fire had blown out on a section One more thing in the article troubled me. of line. The claim that “90 percent of all wildfires happen “That’s when we called Fairbanks and asked within a half-mile of a road” is seriously mislead- to helicopter back out there, and they said, ‘Go ing. That may be true of ALL wildfires in the ahead.’ We tied into the slop over and had our U.S. but it’s certainly not the case with the fires hands full. That’s when I ordered another load of smokejumpers jump in the remote parts of Alaska, jumpers. Canada, the Great Basin, and the wildernesses of “We were doing pretty well, all in all, but then the West. a wind shift hit us and we were getting flanked. Thus, in that context, the mention that some We went back to protect our gear and regroup. people say smokejumpers are no longer needed Later on we found out that there was some delay becomes absurd. A more vigorous use of jumpers in getting the fire gear – shirts and pants and stuff could easily save hundreds of millions of dollars – from Fairbanks to Bettles, the kind of thing every year – money that could be used for much- that can happen from time to time. Bottom line, needed prescribed fire programs. I wish we’d never left the fire. I know the zone All things considered, I’m glad National people feel the same.” Geographic did the piece. It is high time jumpers This was sent to me by former Galena Fire were better seen and their value understood. Management Officer Ken Coe (FBX-80): Bottom line to this cautionary tale: Unless there’s “I honestly don’t remember the specifics, but a desperate need for jumpers on other fires, they I do remember feeling satisfied that the manager (and other resources as well) should NEVER be in charge had done his due diligence. This fire, pulled off a fire until the replacement crews are roughly 250 air miles from the nearest base of op- in place, tooled up, and fully briefed on their erations, during a period of high activity, was both fire.

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 23 www.smokejumpers.com Alaska Smokejumpers 60th Anniversary 2019 Photos Courtesy Johnny Kirkley (CJ-64) & Mike McMillan (FBK-96)

Bill Meadows (ANC-66) Kristen Fremont (FBK-08) Bob Moloney (MYC-64), & Tom Moe (MSO-63 ) Lee Gossett (RDD-57) & Tom Boatner (FBK-80) Willie Lowden (NCSB-72)

Back: John Dibert (FBK-96), Chris Silks (FBK-91), Gary Baumgartner (FBK-88), Scott Lusk (FBK-81) & Brian Fitzsimons (MS0-70) Charlie Brown (FBK-88), Steve Baker (NCSB-88), Mike McMillan (FBK-66), Cynthia Lusk (RAC-87) Rod Dow (MYC-68) Dick Hughes (MSO-64) Front: Evan Adsit (NIFC-09), Oded Shalom (FBK-95), & Eero Okkonen (NIFC-10) Layout: Johnny Kirkley (CJ-64) Johnny Layout:

Jerry John (CJ-62), John Manley (CJ-62) & Joetta John Victor Nicholas (FBK-69) Murray Taylor (RDD-65), Evan Simmons (IDC-68) & Saturday Night Bar B Que Robert Walker (ANC-71)

Check the NSA website 24 National Smokejumper Reunion Alaska Smokejumpers 60th Anniversary 2019 Photos Courtesy Johnny Kirkley (CJ-64) & Mike McMillan (FBK-96)

Bill Meadows (ANC-66) Kristen Fremont (FBK-08) Bob Moloney (MYC-64), & Tom Moe (MSO-63 ) Lee Gossett (RDD-57) & Tom Boatner (FBK-80) Willie Lowden (NCSB-72)

Back: John Dibert (FBK-96), Chris Silks (FBK-91), Gary Baumgartner (FBK-88), Scott Lusk (FBK-81) & Brian Fitzsimons (MS0-70) Charlie Brown (FBK-88), Steve Baker (NCSB-88), Mike McMillan (FBK-66), Cynthia Lusk (RAC-87) Rod Dow (MYC-68) Dick Hughes (MSO-64) Front: Evan Adsit (NIFC-09), Oded Shalom (FBK-95), & Eero Okkonen (NIFC-10) Layout: Johnny Kirkley (CJ-64) Johnny Layout:

Jerry John (CJ-62), John Manley (CJ-62) & Joetta John Victor Nicholas (FBK-69) Murray Taylor (RDD-65), Evan Simmons (IDC-68) & Saturday Night Bar B Que Robert Walker (ANC-71)

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 25 www.smokejumpers.com Forest Management: A Call to Action or Just a Catchphrase? by Michael Rains (Associate)

ust because you may be one of the most pow- second time I heard him use erful individuals in the free world, you still these words, or something Jhave to back your words with actions. Other- similar. The first time was wise, those words become a catchphrase and most during a Cabinet Meeting will see you as insincere and manipulative. [August 16, 2018], when On January 9, 2019, a colleague sent me a copy of the President spoke about a “tweet” from President Trump. It said: “…Bil- the need to improve the lions of dollars are sent to the State of California maintenance of the forests. Michael Rains for Forest fires that, with proper Forest Manage- The [former] Department ment, would never happen. Unless they get their of Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, stated that the act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered current situation of uncontrollable wildfires is FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful due to “gross mismanagement [of the forests] for situation in lives & money!” decades.” Actually, what former Secretary Zinke I felt compelled to write the President a let- said is not true. It is not mismanagement. It is little ter the next day to express my thoughts. I began or no management. with two relevant points. That is, “forests” include In my correspondence to the President, I tried more than just trees [for example, the chaparral to explain that in California, and all the other forests of Southern California] and forest manage- states for that matter, there are mixed land owner- ment takes time. I recall when a former Chief of ships – federal and non-federal. Part of “…getting the Forest Service said, “…Remember, we are in our act together” is making sure everyone holds this for the long haul. Our work of caring for the up their end of the bargain. For example, Califor- land and serving people takes time.” Indeed, good nia has about 33 million acres of forestland – 57 forest management takes time and years of sus- percent of this is in federal ownership. Clearly, tained actions before tangible rewards are seen on part of the wildfire problem in California is the the landscape. Regarding the subject of the Presi- lack of management of the federal forests. If we dent’s “tweet,” these rewards equate to wildfires have any hope of effectively protecting people’s that are smaller, less intense and less destructive. lives and their property, the forests on federal Yes, it takes time, even when “…we have our act lands – the National Forests for example – must together.” also be better managed. Again, it is not “misman- I concluded my letter by noting that I had agement” of the forests, it is the “lack of manage- worked alongside the women and men of the ment” that is the issue at hand. And, a dominat- California Department of Forestry and Fire Pro- ing reason for this is a lack of funding over an tection and assured the President they are first rate extended period of time. and certainly up to the task, despite his criticism. Moving ahead almost a year, President Trump Given time and resources, America’s forests, in- on July 8, 2019, gave a 56-minute speech on cluding the forests of California, can become more “America’s Environmental Leadership.” About 2 resilient to disturbances so the linkage between minutes of the speech was devoted to “forest man- environmental health and community stability agement and fires.” The following is the text that can be more fully realized. highlights these 2 minutes: In his January 9th “tweet,” the President used the phrase “forest management.” This was the • In December, I signed a historic executive

Check the NSA website 26 National Smokejumper Reunion order promoting much more active for- I decided to go to the current website of the est management to prevent catastrophic United States Forest Service. They should know, wildfires like those that recently devastated right? After all, with a direct and indirect role in California and Oregon. (Applause.) the stewardship of about 80 percent of America’s • I went to the fires in California, and I said, 885 million acres of forestlands, the Forest Service “It’s also management.” It’s a lot of things is the “big dog” when it comes to forest manage- happening, but it’s management. You can’t ment in our country. have dirty floors. You can’t have 20 years Their definition says, “…forest management of leaves and fallen trees. After the first 17 focuses on managing vegetation, restoring eco- months, they say the tree is like a piece of systems, reducing hazards and maintaining forest tinder. You have to be very careful. So, you health.” The website concludes that vegetation can’t have that. That’s why you have so many management activities, including timber harvest- fires. ing, thinning, pruning and prescribed fire, are • And I will say this: Spoke with the Governor fundamental to the management of trees, forests of California, spoke with many people, and and forest ecosystems. the process of cleaning is now really taking The President states that good forest manage- precedent. It—a lot of people are looking at ment helps maintain the forests and keeps the forest management. It’s a word that people “forest floor cleared of leaves and fallen trees.” didn’t understand last year. Now they’re get- I want to give the President some credit for at ting it. And you don’t have to have any forest least saying that forest management is important, fires. It’s interesting. especially if we want to keep wildfires from being • I spoke to certain countries, and they said, so destructive. But to simply say, is not to be. So, “Sir, we’re a forest nation.” I never thought I keep asking this Driving Question: What is really of a country—well-known countries: “We’re behind the President’s new vernacular, “you do a forest nation.” I never heard of the term not have to have any forest fires” [if the forests are “forest nation.” They live in forests and they managed or maintained]? So far, unfortunately, it don’t have problems. seems not much; nice prose, little action. • One was telling me that his trees are much For example, in 2018, under the leadership of more susceptible to fire than what they have Bruce Courtright, the National Wildfire Institute in California, but they don’t have fires be- [NWI] drafted an Executive Order [EO]. It was cause they manage, they clean, they do what hoped this draft EO would be used as a guide for you have to do. There’s not so much to burn. the Administration. In part, this draft EO called And we’re going to start doing that. And it’s for convening a “Commission on the Stewardship called, remember, “management.” It’s called of America’s Forests.” The Commission would “forest management.” So, it’s a very impor- help tell a cohesive story, gather facts, and find tant term. common ground to address the catastrophic wild- fire situation facing America, including the lack Yes, forest management is indeed very impor- of forest management and the negative forces of a tant, both as a “term” and a set of actions. Over changing climate on people’s lives, their property the past three decades on public lands, espe- and their communities. cially—due in part to a shifting of resources from Unfortunately, what resulted instead was an management work to fire suppression—there EO signed on December 21, 2018, by President has been a significant lack of forest management Trump entitled “Promoting Active Manage- resulting in fires that are now larger and more ment of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and other intense than ever before. While the phrase “for- Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Re- est management” has surfaced again in President duce Wildfire Risk.” As you may have noted in Trump’s vernacular, it seems to be just a catch- his 56-minute speech on the environment, the phrase. So, what does “forest management” really President termed his EO, “historic.” With all the mean? respect I can muster, this EO was and remains a

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 27 www.smokejumpers.com joke. It includes no real actions and no funding; Forest industry says one thing and scientists say nothing except rhetoric and the notion, I guess, another. Citizenry [people like you and me] say that an EO was signed so therefore forest manage- something else, and government agencies are ment to address the risk of wildfires must be a content to conclude another direction. If I say, for priority. What a profound opportunity lost. example, we need +$2.2 billion per year for the Recently, I was reviewing the Forest Service Forest Service for the next 5-7 years, the USDA budget. I listed the primary accounts that I think will say the Forest Service already has too much best contribute to “…aggressive forest manage- money. ment to ensure effective fire management.” In What’s missing are leaders within the Adminis- 2019, $2.1 billion is available; about the same tration and Congress that should have the abil- amount as 2018. The 2020 proposed budget for ity and willingness to state, “…the lack of forest the same forest management accounts is about management in America is the natural resource $2 billion or a proposed reduction of about $100 conservation issue of our time. People’s lives, their million [the actual reduction with the accounts I property, and their communities are being wiped used is -$90,582,000]. For fire, the 2019 budget away by catastrophic wildfires. It does not have is about $3 billion. The 2020 proposal is $4.6 to be this way. We must do something about this billion [including the full “fire fix” that is sup- now.” posed to begin in 2020]. That equates to a pos- That’s the first step. Conclude that the lack of sible increase for fire of about $1.6 billion [again, forest management is a significant problem. Get assuming the full “fire fix” funding is used]. the facts lined up, shape a vision, then advance the So, the priorities for the 2020 President’s Pro- vision. Pretty basic stuff. But when things are not posed Budget say, “…reduce forest management a priority, they get shoved aside. Words become and increase fire suppression.” THIS IS EXACT- catchphrases. That is what’s happening now with LY OPPOSITE OF WHAT IS NEEDED. The forest management in America. The 2019 fire message that “aggressive forest management will season will probably be worse than 2018, which ensure effective fire management” is clearly not was worse than 2017…and so it goes. Nothing getting through. changes. Again, notice the magnitude of the possible So, what to do? Becoming angry by careless increase for fire – up to $1.6 billion. Imagine the remarks from the current President about rak- tremendous positive results on the land if there ing leaves from the forest floor to eliminate fires could be the following priority: maintain fire at gets us nowhere. His words about the need for the 2019 level and increase forest management forest management are empty. The facts support by +$1.6 billion. I am sticking with my earlier this conclusion. However, somehow we need a funding level of +$2.2 billion for at least 5-7 years Call to Action to change America’s forests with the [published in the January 2019 issue of “Smoke- primary goal to reduce the size and intensity of jumper”], but a +$1.6 billion increase for forest wildfires. management actions for the Forest Service would • A Commission to lead the way and convey be a tremendous beginning. At least this would a cohesive story that finds common ground. stay within what Congress has already committed • Additional funding—+$2.2 billion annually to in terms of their bottom-line Appropriations for the Forest Service alone—until gains in level. forest resiliency can be achieved, fire sup- It has become apparent to me that the manage- pression costs decline, and savings are shifted ment of America’s forests is not a real priority for back into forest management actions. this Administration [despite what the President says] or the current Congress—which suggests it We are long past the time for insincere, ma- is not a priority to us, the American people. And, nipulative catchphrases. It is time for sustained that’s a shame. commitment and actions on the land if we really Part of the reason is there is not a cohesive do care about people’s lives, their homes, and their story that people can gravitate to and understand. communities. Now is the time.

Check the NSA website 28 National Smokejumper Reunion SOUNDING OFF from the Editor

Service know the drove along I-5, we could see capabilities of the work projects going on al- current smoke- most a year later. Trees are jumper aircraft? being cut, drainages were Absolutely not! being built to prevent ero- Within a few sion. There are major work hours, jumpers crews along the highway from other states each day. Who pays for this? can man fires miles The erosion control drain- from their home ages were beautifully land- bases. scaped. The rocks were all Now, this brings bright and shiney and the by Chuck Sheley up another ques- same size. It looked like (Cave Junction ’59) tion. Is the USFS a Japanese rock garden. Managing Editor priming smokejump- What the heck happened ers for another mission? We to water bars? Can’t we just I’m getting some great feed- used to do initial attack, and use dirty rocks dug out of the back from the July issue ar- our goal was to get to the fire ground? We are all paying for ticle, “The 2017 Lolo Peak within the shortest amount of this scam. The cost for the fire Fire—Didn’t Have To Hap- time. With the new attitude, is probably a fraction of what pen.” Even though the article it seems like jumpers are being it is hitting you in the pocket- was written two years after the used selectively on fires. Is this book. event, it took me that much arrow in the firefighting quiver The Carr Fire cost time to put it together. The being dulled? $158,000,000 in suppression biggest reason was that getting All of this really brings costs. What you, as a taxpayer, accurate information from the us to the bottom line—do do not know is the amount of USFS is impossible. Do not the Forest Service and other money spent after the fire. It look for any bit of truth in organizations really want to has to be astronomical. Will their press releases. put out fires? Look at the someone reveal the cost to the Reading the USFS Learn- amount of money that is spent taxpayers of the work done ing Review and Narrative, we on wildfire each year—close to after the fires? Not a chance— were told: “Due to the remote four BILLION dollars. Wild- too much money involved. location of the fire—steep, fire is a big industry. There The Camp Fire wiped the rugged terrain, the decision to are the contractors for meals, town of Paradise off the map. go indirect was made. Higher showers, portable restrooms, There was nothing that Cal priority fires required all avail- laundries, garbage, air tankers, Fire or any other organization able air resources leaving the rehab, and things we do not could have done to stop that Lolo Peak Fire unstaffed for know about. monster. It was the perfect the first two days.” My wife and I drove I-5 storm. Now we know that there north several times in the By the time you read this, were jumpers available from past few weeks. The Carr Fire it will almost be a year from Missoula—more jumpers from destroyed 230,000 acres in the the start of the Camp Fire. other bases. Does the Forest Redding area in 2018. As we The effect on our community

June 26–28, 2020 in Boise 29 www.smokejumpers.com in Chico has been enormous. jumpers not being used? the USFS? Answer—there is Add 20 percent in numbers I was just talking to Murry none! to your community. That Taylor (RDD-65). He is in Are we going to make a amount of people presents contact with the Oregon Fire change? Our voice is small problems that require a lot of Council. They actually want to as the general public takes as time to solve. stop the wildfires burning in gospel the word of the Forest Back to the post-fire our National Forests. What is Service. No resources avail- expenses—after the fire, the the major block? Answer—the able, too rough and steep for lot on which your home in USFS. personnel, situation involved Paradise was located is re- Since the closing of the risk. quired to have all “hazardous Siskiyou Smokejumper Base We need new leadership waste” removed. If I read the in 1981, there has been almost in the Forest Service. Risk is rules correctly, that means the a BILLION dollars spent on part of any job. If we want remains, plus a foot of soil, wildfire in the areas covered to become “risk adverse,” we have to be removed. Here we go. Wildfire is a big industry. There are the Yesterday, my wife and I drove a 30-mile section of contractors for meals, showers, portable highway south of the Camp restrooms, laundries, garbage, air tankers, Fire. During that 30-mile drive, we passed 114 monster rehab, and things we do not know about. trucks going the opposite way with Paradise “waste.” Since by the Cave Junction Smoke- need to stop training military, this is an ongoing process, jumpers. Wildfire is an emer- police, fire and other services. there has to be about the same gency to the public and money Teachers in public schools are number going back to Paradise spent is something that the tax at risk. Thank God for the for their second load of the payers seem to be OK with. teacher who rushed the school day. Is there anyone in the For- shooter and did not hide, as he Going north last week, we est Service that is concerned became at risk in charging the passed 97 of these trucks com- with the amount of money shooter. ing back from their first run of spent annually on wildfire? I Risk adverse is an excuse the day. Let’s stop and think can’t find that voice. You are for not doing the job. I trained about this. There are probably getting billed annually for the over 3,000 rookie firefight- 400 of these 10-12-wheeler lack of Initial Attack on wild- ers. I always told them that monster trucks making at least fires. I know we are in a differ- fighting wildland fire is a two runs a day from Paradise ent climate situation, but that dangerous job. You could get going north and south. These situation demands a quicker hurt—killed. If that bothered guys are making big money. and larger response than you, put in your application at Before long, the ex-commu- we had years ago. Situation McDonald’s. nity of Paradise at 2,000 feet changes—change the response. I really don’t see a lot of the should be below sea level. The It is time that you as taxpayers public standing up and de- money spent fighting wildfire demand more accountability. manding that these fires be is just a fraction of the amount The Lolo Peak Fire could attacked aggressively, kept spent down the line. You are have been manned by smoke- small, smoke layer reduced, paying for all this! jumpers. After all the BS money saved, watershed saved, Wouldn’t it be better to do that was given to the public, businesses affected by three quick initial attack as in the we know it could have been months of smoke saved, and “old days” and keep fires in jumped in its early stages. more and more. Raise your the $20,000 range? Why are Where is the accountability of voice!

Check the NSA website 30 National Smokejumper Reunion RECORDING SMOKEJUMPER HISTORY

The following are excerpts from newspaper and maga- branches?” zine articles from Dave Burt’s (MSO-47) scrapbook “That’s when you want to be sure to put your saved and forwarded to me by Karl Brauneis (MSO- hand in your pocket,” Earl said solemnly. “Why?” 77). Not all sources were listed and will have to remain “Because that’s when you’ll want to reach in unknown. (Ed.) for that card Mother said to send her if anything happened.” Art Cochran (MSO-42), former dust-bowl Colliers December 1944 farmer and smokejumper squadleader speaks for them: “Any man who jumps from the training The comparative speed of a ground crew and tower will jump from a plane.” a parachuting squad in reaching a fire was shown Cochran jumped on the High Lake Fire in during a recent blaze in Yellowstone N.P. An 1942, which still stands as an example of smoke- alarm went simultaneously to the fireguard crew jumping at its toughest. “The fire broke out on stationed in the park and the smokejumpers about the roughest part of the Bitterroot range. Three 220 miles away. sides of sheer rock walls dropped off to a deep Thirty minutes later, a Trimotor with six jump- mountain lake. The six of us who jumped had to ers took off. Jim Waite (MSO-40) dropped the land on a small bluff as yet not burning. A super men on an 8,000-foot plateau into heavy timber job of spotting by Earl Cooley (MSO-40) put us with no open spots. The smokejumpers had the all down where we wanted to be. After the fire was blaze under control when the ground crew arrived. out, we had to build a raft and float our equip- Colliers December 1944 ment down the lake to a spot where a pack train could pick it up. Even with each man packing a Kalispell’s two young men who lost their lives load on his back, the packer lost four horses get- near Helena were both natives of this city—Bill ting out of there. Lewis and Clark never had it Hellman (MSO-46) 24, a former student of any tougher.” Montana State University, Missoula, and Henry Colliers December 1944 J. Thol Jr. (MSO-49), 19, who intended to enter the University this fall. Earl Cooley (MSO-40) keeps the trainees Bill Hellman volunteered in the Navy at the bug-eyed with tales of his experiences. “There is age of 17 when he was a student at Flathead High one jump I’ll never forget. I came in over some School. After two years in the Navy he transferred tall timber when I hit the top of a tree smack to the Marines, serving in the Pacific. across my chest. The chute collapsed right then Two weeks ago he took part in a parachute and I started rolling down through the branches. jump near the White House in Washington. The chute opened for a moment and caught on a Henry Thol observed his 19th birthday April branch. Only the branch broke and the chute col- 17. He graduated from Flathead High School in lapsed a second time. 1948. He was on his third year of summer service By this time I’d run out of branches and was and in June took smokejumper training at the falling free when the last limb snagged the chute Nine Mile station near Missoula. and I pulled up with my feet just off the ground.” Newspaper article August 1949—paper not “How high up were you when you started identified Earl?” asked one of the boys. “About a hundred and fifteen feet.” At Meriwether Landing, deep in the Missouri “Well, what happens when you run out of River canyon, I heard:

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 31 www.smokejumpers.com “Did they find those guys?” sion which began at 3:30 p.m. a week ago Friday. “Are they all dead?” That was the hour the 15 men jumped onto the “How many got out?” primitive mountain area northeast of Helena. Up Meriwether canyon more than 120 men Dodge said the crew had set up a temporary camp were strung out along a winding trail that takes near the blaze by 4:55. He went on: the wind out of an experienced hiker. “I heard someone hollering at the fire at 5:00 “This is the damndest fire I ever saw,” one man p.m. I started to the fire and told the squadleader said. “You just can’t fight it. It’s too hard to get at.” to pick up food and water and follow me with the Two worn out smokejumpers escaped the crew. At 5:15 I contacted Jim Harrison (MSO- wind-whipped flames on Mann Gulch where 10 47) (fire prevention guard) and told him I be- of their buddies perished. One was Walt Rum- lieved the fire was not safe to attack at that point. sey (MSO-49). It was Rumsey who told me how We returned and met the crew about one-fourth 15 men parachuted into the almost inaccessible mile down from the fire. gulch. “I told them to cross back to the north side of Rumsey said: “We all landed OK, but were Mann Gulch and go around the side of the moun- downwind—the fire was coming at us. tain on the level toward the mouth of the gulch “We started our plan of attack. We were going on the river to observe the fire from that side. up the other side of the gulch and get on top of it, “Harrison and I returned to the camp area to but it was too hazardous. get supplies and caught up with the crew about “Then we went back on the north side of the 5:40. After traveling about five minutes toward gulch and the wind blew the fire across and fouled the river, we discovered the fire had jumped across up the detail. Mann Gulch below and we couldn’t continue in “Man, it was hot. We tried to keep together as that direction. The fire at that time (5:45) had we went up a slope. But the men began to string spread and cut off our escape route to the river. out, dropping tools and equipment. “We turned around and I had them go back “There was fire all around. (Bob) Salee (MSO- to a safer area with less timber and inflammable 49) and I stayed in a pile of rocks and the fire material. After traveling about 1,000 feet, I had burned all around us but we weren’t burned. the men drop all their heavy equipment. After “When the smoke died down, we started look- traveling another 1,000 feet, I saw our chance of ing for the other fellows. We found one burned getting to the top of the ridge was poor. Fire was bad. He was Bill Hellman (MSO-46). behind us and in front of us and on the other side “Then we saw our foreman, Wag Dodge of the ridge. (MSO-41), who saved himself by building a fire “After entering an area where the ground cover in the grass in front of himself and the little fire was comparatively light, I told the crew we would kept the big one from getting him. burn off an area and get inside the burned space “He built the fire so the rest of us could get in order to survive. Using one match, I set fire to in there. But the others just didn’t understand, I a clump of grass and within seconds an area about guess. If they had gotten in there, they would be 100 feet square had burned. alright now.” “At that time all the men were out of the scat- Newspaper article by Ed Johnson August 1949— tered timber. After two or three minutes I told the paper not identified men to run through the light fire on the edges of the burned area and get into the burned area. At Dodge Describes Tragedy of Fire Fighters that time eight men were beside me and the rest R. Wagner Dodge (MSO-41), foreman of the were within 100 feet. I am quite sure they heard ill-fated smokejumper crew which lost 12 of its 15 me. members on the 5,000-acre Gates of the Moun- “I heard some of them say they thought they tains Fire, told his story Saturday. could reach the top of the ridge and they all The veteran of 16 years of fire fighting and started up the side of the mountain. They started seven years of jumping described the tragic mis- off walking and did not seem frantic. The nearest

Check the NSA website 32 National Smokejumper Reunion point of the fire at this time was about 10 yards offered the quickest chance for safety from the on- below and behind us. rushing fire that came upon them unexpectedly.” “After the men left me, I walked into the Hanson expressed only the highest of praise burned-off area and continued calling at the top for the heroic men. “There was no indication of of my voice for the men to come back and join carelessness or panic on the part of anyone,” he me there. This was about 5:55. said. “There occur times when men’s lives are at “When the main fire reached my area, I lay stake. They alone must make the decision as to down on the ground on my side and poured water the course of action they select.” from my canteen on my handkerchief. I put the Newspaper article from Dave Burt’s (MSO-47) wet handkerchief over my mouth and nose and scrapbook—no identification of the newspaper. held my face as close to the ground as I could while the flames flashed over me. There were three Memorandum For Smokejumpers— extreme gusts of hot air that almost lifted me off Group of 1949 the ground as the fire passed over. It seemed like a P.D. Hanson, Regional Forester By C.S. vacuum. It was running in the grass and also flash- Cracken (Acting) ing through the tree tops. An insufficient number of copies of the Board “By 6:10 the fire has passed by and I stood up. of Review were received from our Washington My clothing had not been scorched and I had no office to enable us to furnish each smokejumper burns. with a copy. “I heard someone holler east of me and I found No doubt you have been and will continue to Joe Sylvia (MSO-48) about 100 feet below and be asked numerous questions about the Mann 150 east of me. He had survived the fire bur was Gulch disaster. I believe that most of you were severely injured. After making him as comfort- briefed regarding this tragedy before leaving this able as possible in the shelter of a large rock to fall. However, to fill in any gaps in your infor- protect him from burning snags and rolling rocks, mation, the attached digest of the Report of the I started looking for the rest of the crew who had Board of Review is to be sent to you. (12/5/49) tried to make it to the ridge. Resume Of Report By Board Of Review— “After reaching the top of the ridge and calling Mann Gulch Fire out I go no answer. On the other side of the ridge “Intensified research in fire behavior, to furnish I met Bob Sallee, and he said he had Bill Hell- more dependable bases for anticipating fire ‘blow- man (MSO-46) down below on a rock. He said ups,’ and intensified training of men to meet such Hellman was badly injured. He said Walt Rumsey emergencies are recommended in the report of (MSO-49) was OK and was staying with Bill. a special board that investigated the disastrous “We looked around for other survivors but go Mann Gulch fire last August north of Helena,” no answer to our calls. announced P.D. Hanson, region No. 1 forester, Dodge’s story came at the end of a week-long October 31, 1949. investigation of the tragedy by national and re- “The Mann Gulch blaze, one of the worst for- gional officials. The officials have sent an 82-page est fire tragedies in recent years, cost the lives of report to Forest Service headquarters in Washing- 13 fire fighters,” said Mr. Hanson. It burned over ton D.C. approximately 5,000 acres of timber and water- Regional Forester P.D. Hanson said, “The shed land before it was brought under control. jumping operation was of a routine nature and The board of review found no evidence that was successfully executed. The men landed about those responsible for the action of the fire fighting a half mile from the fire in an area selected by crew disregarded elements of risk which they are experienced men as being safe. The jumpers then expected to consider. proceeded according to plan for about two hours Although recognizing that training of smoke before critical conditions prevailed. jumpers and other regular Forest Service fire sup- “The foreman used excellent judgment in pression personnel has included instructions on seeking refuge on the grass-covered hillside which how to recognize dangerous fire fighting condi-

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 33 www.smokejumpers.com tions and the importance of following leaders in lected by about 5:00 p.m., at which time Foreman emergencies, the board recommended that even R. Wagner Dodge heard a shout from someone greater training be given in fire fighter training to near the fire. He instructed his crew to follow him both these factors. to the fire and proceeded ahead to determine who The board found that the character of the it was that was calling. The foreman met Ground country and the location and behavior of the Patrolman James O. Harrison near the fire a few Mann Gulch Fire at the time the smoke jumpers minutes later. landed presented no indications of hazards beyond Mr. Dodge concluded that the fire was too those often encountered by fire suppression forces. warm for attack at this point, and with Harrison, The sudden explosive runs of the fire across the rejoined his crew a few minutes later. He instruct- lower end of Mann Gulch could not reasonably ed the crew to cross to the opposite side of Mann have been expected. Gulch from the fire and proceeded toward the The board of review met in Missoula under Missouri River grading out of the bottom of the the chairmanship of C.M. Granger, assistant chief, draw as they went, in order to be in a position to Forest Service. Other members were H.D. Co- watch the north flank of the fire. It was his plan to chran, chief of Forest Service personnel manage- the river from whence he would be able to attack ment; Jay H. Price, regional forester; Lawrence K. the fire from the rear, thus assuring safety for his Mays, assistant regional forester, and J. Malcolm men while working on the fire. Loring, supervisor, Chelan N.F. Technical advisers About 5:45 p.m. the foreman noted that a fire were C.A. Gustafson, chief, division of fire con- was established across Mann Gulch on the oppo- trol and Francis Lufkin smoke jumper foreman, site side of the draw from the main fire and about Chelan N.F. 750 feet in front of the crew. Seeing that they were The board made a study of the fire area from cut off from the river, he instructed his crew to the air and on the ground, following which hear- reverse directions and proceed towards the top of ings were conducted in Missoula for several days. Mann Gulch ridge. Eighteen witnesses were heard, including all of After proceeding about 2,000 feet, the fire had those who had responsible parts in the fire control advanced to only a few hundred feet behind the and rescue operations at the Mann Gulch Fire. crew. At this point the crew had broken out of Relatives of the deceased fire fighters living nearby scattered pine timber and were in an open grass were invited to appear before the board if they area. Realizing that there would not be sufficient wished to do so. Henry Thol, father of Henry J. time to reach the ridge, where safety was a real Thol Jr., who died in the fire, appeared before the possibility, the foreman explained to those nearest board. him that he would set a fire in the grass cover and, According to the board’s findings, the fire was after letting it burn a brief period, they would seek discovered shortly after noon on August 5, 1949, safety inside the burned area. in Mann gulch, about 20 miles north of Helena The escape fire was immediately started by in one of the roughest areas east of the continen- dropping a match in the grass but the crew, appar- tal divide. Because of the rough topography and ently believing they could make the ridge, con- inaccessibility, Supervisor Arthur D. Moir and tinued in that general direction, despite repeated Ranger J. Robert Jansson requested a crew of shouts by the foremen to the men as they passed, smoke jumpers to be delivered to the fire by air. for them to come inside the burned-over area of A ground crew of 20 local fire fighters also was the escape fire. Two men made it safely over the dispatched to the fire on foot. ridge. The foreman found safety in the area he The smokejumper plane reached the fire area had set on fire and also survived. around 3:10 p.m. Fifteen men were safely landed Shortly thereafter or about 6:00 p.m., 13 of by parachute on the slope on the opposite side of the remaining crew members were caught in the Mann Gulch about half a mile from the fire. All onrush of flames from the main fire. Eleven died cargo dropping of food, tools, and other equip- immediately and two others died later in the ment was completed by 4:08 p.m. Cargo was col- hospital at Helena. Twelve of the men were smoke

Check the NSA website 34 National Smokejumper Reunion jumpers and one was the fire patrolman who had Carter said this year, for the first time, other joined the crew on foot. regions are conducting smoke jumper schools of Spread of the fire was stopped on August 7 and their own. Previously, all smoke jumpers trained at complete control was established on August 10. A the Nine Mile station. total of 450 men worked the fire. The Daily Missoulian June 7, 1947 The survivors and one of the men, who later died in the hospital, said they believed all of the William H. Brandt (MSO-47) was back in men would have been saved if they had followed Missoula after a narrow escape on the fire (Bear the foreman’s lead in getting into the area burned Creek—Idaho). Brandt had landed and a pair of by the escape fire. The board of review recommend- 20-pound spurs for climbing trees were dropped ed that fire fighter training include training in the to him. The spurs struck his leg in falling from the use of escape-fire methods, even though occasions plane and injured his ankle. for the use of this method are relatively rare. Information on his injury was radioed to Memo from Dave Burt’s (MSO-47) scrapbook. Missoula and a plane was dispatched to Shearer Landing Field while he was riding 18 miles on Brave Men horseback to meet it. He arrived in the city and The Daily Missoulian August 9, 1949 was treated at a hospital and discharged with only Only a brave man steps from a flying plane, a stiff ankle. with only a packet of silk as protection against the Newspaper article 1947 deadly pull of gravity. Only a man of unflinching courage does this when below are the threatening 74 Jumpers Sent to One Blaze tops of trees or the rough rocks of a mountainside. The largest contingent of smokejumpers ever As a matter of less spectacular fact, only a brave used at one time was called into action Tuesday man fights fires of the more dangerous sorts in our morning when 74 men descended to battle a fire forests, no matter what his means of arriving at on the Flathead River. Three trips of a C-47 were the scene. needed to transport the men to the fire. So we may properly hail as heroes the men Newspaper article August 1947 who down into the woods in parachutes, as well as those who march into the danger zones. And we Jumpers Will Break Camp Friday must mourn as heroes those who lost their lives Forest Service smokejumpers notified the board in the blazing hell that was the river canyon near of county commissioners that they will bring their Helena the other day. activities to an official close Friday. And of this we are sure: There will be other Mr. Cooley said that of the 150 men employed brave men to take their places. as jumpers this year, 80 had worked previously. A total of 33 men were asked not to reapply for Class of 1947 Graduates with Parachutes various reasons. About 85 of the lads are ex-service Commencement exercises for 33 graduates of men and all but about four or five are enrolled in the first 1947 Forest Service class of smokejump- universities under the GI bill. ers consisted of being dumped out of an airplane, Newspaper article September 1947 smashing down through a grove of pine trees, and walking home with heavy equipment. Students Double In Silk While the next class was getting ready for Nine university students, smokejumpers dur- training at the Nine Mile Parachute school, those ing the summer months, were called out of class who completed the course were moved to jobs in Oct. 1 to rescue an elk hunter who was injured in the woods where they will await calls to fires, Vic- the wilderness of the Bitterroot forest. tor Carter, parachute project officer reported. The men who went to the rescue are Leonard The next class will open June 16 when 110 Krout, Marvin Amundsen, William Hellman, Bob men report. Among them will be a few with army Stermitz, Charles Parker, Bob Manchester, Vern paratroop experience and 75 University students. Sylvester, Robert Dusenbury and Bob Morgan.

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 35 www.smokejumpers.com The rescue unit is set up on a voluntary basis soula this week receiving special training in Forest under the supervision of the Forest Service. One Service parachute jumping techniques. major obstacle lies in the path of continuance of Forest Service training of air rescue jumpers the service Brauer (Fred) said—the lack of funds. started during the war. In 1943 and again in 1945 Even if a man is able to pay for a rescue, the units of the army air forces and the coast guard money is not returned to the Forest Service. were sent to Missoula for specialized training. Ma- Newspaper article October 1947 jor Frank Wiley and the late Lt. Col. Earl Vance, both former Missoula pilots, were instrumental Air Rescue Unit Training in Missoula in first interesting the U.S. air forces in studying Eight representatives of the air rescue service forest service techniques. of the army air transport command are in Mis- Newspaper article October 24,1947

My Years As A Smokejumper – 1948-51 by Les Kile (North Cascades ’48)

reported to the North fly down to Wenatchee after I was standing alongside Cascades Smokejumper work. the runway when Jim taxied IBase in Winthrop, Wash., I had some message for my up. Imagine my surprise when in May 1951, for another year wife and persuaded Jim to give the door opened and my wife of smokejumping. I did not her a call from the airport and hopped out and grabbed me know it at the time, but it was pass it on. by the neck. She had talked to be my last season at this About the time it was him into a ride back up to the profession, which started in beginning to get dark, Jim had base. My wife was always very 1948. not returned. I was becom- persuasive, and few people, Lorraine, my wife of one ing a bit concerned about his especially men, could resist year, remained in Wenatchee being able to see to land, since anything she asked. for the summer to work at her the airport had no landing Jim later informed me he job. lights. “sweat blood” for about a It was in July of that year Soon, I did hear a plane half-hour circling over Lake that my friend Jim Campbell circling the airport. Chelan, trying to gain enough (NCSB-48), who was also a It being a Friday night, I altitude to scrape over the member of the 1948 class, was there by myself, as the mountains and reach the base. decided he needed an airplane. rest of the crew hit the bright Fortunately he knew enough Jim had been taking flying lights of Winthrop and Twisp not to trap himself in some lessons and saving his money as soon as they had cleaned up mountain canyon. for a few years, waiting for after work. Jim and Hal Warner de- this event. He made a trip I sensed what Jim’s problem cided the next weekend to take to Yakima one weekend and was and ran to the parking lot, a short flight up the Methow returned to the base with an looking for vehicles with keys Valley. Unfortunately, the older Piper Cub, which he still in their ignitions. I found carburetor iced up somehow parked on a spot alongside the about three, which I parked at and the engine died. Jim, how- runway in a position where he the end and sides of the airport ever, did a great job of gliding could see and admire his new runway, leaving the lights on. down to a landing. Hal later possession. Seeing the lights, Jim got wrote about coming down He let it be known the next lined up and did not hesitate in a mountain meadow, but weekend that he was going to to “bring in the mail.” it looked to me like a potato

Check the NSA website 36 National Smokejumper Reunion field. Fortunately, neither one Some “joker” saw a bead of Wash., spotting fires after was hurt. blood and exclaimed: “Jesus, lightning storms. As soon as we received Jim – you’re bleeding like a The end of the 1953 fire word about the crash, a bunch stuck hog!” Jim immediately season concluded my employ- of us loaded into a couple nose-dived toward the ground, ment with the U.S. Forest of vehicles and headed for but someone caught him be- Service. Mazama, which was the scene fore he hit the ground. I am now 91 years of age of the forced landing. When I landed the job of aerial and still own and operate some we arrived, Jim and Hal were observer for the Wenatchee cattle ranches in Chelan standing next to the plane. We National Forest in 1952 and County, Wash. I would love to examined them for injuries, 1953, and spent two seasons hear from any of my old and all we found was a small patrolling the forest with pilot friends – most of whom are cut on Jim’s arm. Ken Patton of Cashmere, now gone.

SMOKEJUMPER ARCHIVES ESTABLISHED The National Smokejumper Association has then what is available so far? Start with the EWU partnered with Eastern Washington University Digital Commons landing page: https://dc.ewu. (EWU) in Cheney to establish an archive of edu/smokejumpers/ Smokejumper history. The collaboration has been Digital Commons is a platform used by EWU both a pleasure and productive. This Smoke- and over 500 academic institutions, public librar- jumper archive as it grows will be broadly acces- ies, and research centers to preserve and showcase sible online. Accessibility will allow individuals scholarly output and special collections. with general interests and researchers with specific Going to the “landing page” cited above, here interests to access Smokejumper history from is what has been placed online so far: their own unique location; no need to travel to a distant location to unpack documents, facts, or NSA Minutes recordings. In this digital age, Smokejumper his- A record of the NSA’s Board of Directors meet- tory will be centralized and mere clicks away. ings from 1995- present: If Smokejumper history is “mere clicks away,” https://dc.ewu.edu/nsa_minutes

Smokejumper and Static Line Magazines All issues are in PDF form, from 1993-until the present. Magazines have simple search capa- bility: https://dc.ewu.edu/smokejumper_mag/

Publications on Smokejumping Presently there are three volumes of stories from Civilian Public Service personnel who served as Smokejumpers during WWII. In the future, this section will fill out with other publications both Service oriented and commentaries about smokejumping: Written publications on base histories: NCSB and Cave Junc- https://dc.ewu.edu/smokejumping_pubs/ tion.

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 37 www.smokejumpers.com Smokejumper Base Crew Portraits in the follow-through and preparation stages of This collection will fill out, too. Presently, crew Smokejumper history yet to be posted: pictures for La Grande, Cave Junction, Redmond, • National Archives and Francis Lufkin and Silver City are posted. Crew Pictures from, photos of the 1939 Experimental Project hopefully, all bases will eventually be available conducted at Winthrop that determined online: the feasibility of “smoke chasers.” https://dc.ewu.edu/smokejumpers/ • A series of publications that provide the history of bases at North Cascades and Smokejumpers: Firefighters from the Cave Junction with the hope to entice Sky histories of other bases. This section presently encompasses the multi- • Ongoing acquisition of crew photos from ple panels that are also the traveling Smokejumper other bases. Alaska’s and Boise’s crew pic- Exhibit and a 25-minute YouTube video loop tures are being prepared. highlighting the longer 2-hour 2000 NSA produc- • A publication by Fred Cooper (NCSB-62) tion of Smokejumpers: Firefighters from the Sky, a documenting the months of October and 60 year history of men and women firefighters: November 1939, when trials verified that https://dc.ewu.edu/nsa_exhibit/ aerial fire suppression by parachute was https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnJtAxy46gw possible. &feature=youtube • A vast photo collection from Doug Beck (CJ-70) during his nine jump seasons at Tom Carlson Films on Smokejumping Cave Junction. A series of 4 films unearthed by Tom Carl- Many of you readers have history markers of son (MS-70). Films include 1950 training films smokejumping that would likely fit this growing and original film from the 1939 Experimental archive collection: unique pictures; Super 8 or Program at Winthrop, WA, that initiated smoke- 16mm movies, reel film, or other; or, knowledge jumping: of people or decisions that have been consequen- https://dc.ewu.edu/carlsen/ tial to smokejumping. Help the NSA to continue to archive smoke- Triple Nickle jumper history. Contact Chuck Sheley at cnkgshe- Photographs [email protected] with content or suggestions. from the National Archives Photographs of the 555th Get Smokejumper Parachute In- One Month Earlier fantry Battalion during 1945 Many NSA members are switching to when the troops the digital version of Smokejumper delivered were trained by by email instead of the printed edition. It is the USFS for sent as a PDF identical to the hard copy issue. wildland forest fires, also known Advantages include early delivery, ease of as Operation Fire storage, NSA postal expense savings. Fly: To request email delivery contact Editor https://dc.ewu. Chuck Sheley (CJ-59) cnkgsheley@earthlink. The original one-piece jumpsuit was edu/nara_555/ initially used in 1939. It was quickly net. modified to a two-piece suit, similar to NSA and the jumpsuit used today. EWU are still

Check the NSA website 38 National Smokejumper Reunion Retired Jumper Is Subject Of Arizona Radio Article by Scott Thybony, KNAU – Arizona Public Radio

mokejumpers have one of the most extreme His response surprised me, and I asked him to jobs in wildland firefighting, parachuting into tell me about growing up outside Silver City, N.M. Sfires in remote areas. It takes a special kind of The smokejumpers operated a base there during fire person to hurl himself or herself out of a plane and season, and they would fly right over his mother’s into the path of a forest fire – a person like Bobby house. Montoya (IDC-62). “I knew it was them because the airplane didn’t The longtime smokejumper – now retired – told have a door. I used to stand outside the house, me that missing the job feels like he’s lost part of his looking up at those planes and wishing I could be body. Montoya is the focus of this month’s Canyon up there. Commentary. “Be careful what you wish for. Two years later I * * * * * was flying over and looking down at her house with My brother, John Thybony (BOI-76), left the my heart thumping 90 miles an hour and wishing Grand Canyon one spring and headed to Boise, I was down there with my mother. We were on our Idaho, to begin his first season as a smokejumper. way to jump a fire, and I was scared.” His job would be to parachute into remote wildfires, When I asked about the dangers they faced, unreachable by road, and stop them before they Montoya described parachuting into a fire along could spread. the Salmon River. “The first man to jump, landed Montoya, a veteran smokejumper, watched John in the trees, and by the next pass his chute was on park his stakebed Ford and climb out. He had let his fire and he was running for his life.” beard grow and wore his hair tied in a Navajo knot. “Sometimes you just don’t know what a fire is Not cutting the rookie any slack, Montoya going to do,” he added. “When no one gets hurt, shouted, “Here come the Clampetts!” and started you laugh about it. When you’re in your 20s, it’s a singing the theme song to The Beverly Hillbillies. It thrill. Somos immortales – we’re immortal. That’s was the beginning of a close friendship. how you think.” Years later I was on an assignment at the National During his jumping career, Montoya broke 26 Interagency Fire Center in Boise. I called Montoya, bones and finally had to leave the U.S. Forest Service and we met after work at a bar next to the smoke- on disability. jumper base. “Somebody asked me if I was afraid of crashing, His hair was ash-gray, and he had a parachute and I said, ‘no, I’m afraid of dying,’ “ Montoya ex- tattooed on his biceps, half-covered by the sleeve plained. “I have gone to too many funerals. Those of his t-shirt. As the two of us entered, aircraft guys about to die – I know what they’re thinking. mechanics in the corner shouted his name, the They can’t breathe, it’s so hot. The fire is sucking the waitress gave him a thin smile, and a pair of young air around you – your clothes and hair start vibrat- smokejumpers stopped their conversation to watch ing with the air rushing by you. There’s no oxygen. him take a seat. The fire is sucking it out of you. Montoya told me he had a thousand stories of “At the last moment you’re not thinking about fires and jumps, and I settled back expecting to hear fire. You’re thinking about air.” every one. “But they’re not important,” he said. “It’s Getting up to leave, I asked if he missed smoke- not about falling out of a plane. I’m not interested jumping. in that. I’m interested in them, the smokejumpers. I “When I started this,” Montoya said, “it was want to know about their parents, about their wives an adventure. We were all Amelia Earharts – we and girlfriends, about their children.” wanted the adventure. In that airplane there were 15 of us, and we were undefeated. Nothing was go-

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 39 www.smokejumpers.com ing to stop us.” sons. “Yes, I miss it. I miss smokejumping like I miss He paused, thinking back on those 20 fire sea- my own heart beating.”

Check the NSA website 40 National Smokejumper Reunion Oriented Strand Board and Fuel Reduction by George B. Harpole (Missoula ’49)

istorically, logging and wood processing became a top priority for wood products research. residues have offered a utilization chal- Technological advancements were made, and Hlenge for those involved in the harvest- along with these advancements came a sequence ing and manufacture of wood products. Logging of products that identify the evolutionary steps operations typically left stumps, tapered log butts, forward to the development of OSB boards – e.g., tree tops and limbs for forest fires to remove, or to from particleboard, to NOVOPLY, to waferboard, compost into bedding for destructive forest insects. to flakeboard, and finally to the OSB panels that we Even after the delivery of logs to a sawmill or speak of today. Thus, OSB emerged as the “struc- plywood plant, residue materials used represented tural particleboard” of the 1980s – emerging from as much as 60 percent of the log volumes delivered. random oriented, structural “flakeboard” panels of Thus, commercial efforts have attempted to utilize the late 1970s. as much of these residue volumes as possible with With this technology, U.S. Forest Service and production of charcoal, poultry bedding, heating university research was conducted in reference to fuels, and so forth. the utilization of a variety of softwoods and low- Forest fires, tepee burners and burn piles have density hardwoods found in different regions of the often provided a quick answer for getting rid of United States. the surplus accumulations of forest and processing The results from research in the 1970s were ex- residues. tremely promising. Research by the Forest Service, Today, with the increased use of logging residues associated universities and private cooperators was and wood chips that are used for the production of brought together and presented with economic oriented strand board – OSB – panels, 80 percent or assessments of the commercial potentials for such more of the wood volumes removed from the forest products. On June 6-8, 1978, the Forest Products are processed into marketable products, according Laboratory sponsored a symposium in Kansas City, to Wikipedia. Mo., to report and to summarize the development The pathway to OSB production started in the and applications of “flakeboard” as a structural 1920s with the production of hardboards from pulp particleboard. mats that were produced from wood chips. This This was the first time such a broad program of was the beginning for making panel products from research was brought together addressing the joint wood-residue types of materials. research accomplishments of the Forest Service, Following hardboard production, and skipping associated universities, and private cooperators. the pulping step for producing hardboards, the Within three years after the Kansas City symposium, utilization of waste materials was increased in the there were 19 new flakeboard plants operating and, United States in the 1940s by the production of after five years, there were 25 plants operating. non-structural and appearance grades of particle- Then a slightly differentiated product evolved. boards. OSB became a leading competitor for structural Even as a non-structural product, the particle- sheathing markets in the 1980s, and a major con- board industry in the United States is relatively new tributor to improved forest management by way compared to plywood. But with the decline in the of utilizing overwhelming volumes of logging and availability of timber suitable for plywood produc- manufacturing residues. tion in the 1970s, the development of technologies OSB products set records for market adoption for production of structural types of particleboards in North America by moving production and con-

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 41 www.smokejumpers.com sumption from 751 million board square feet (Bsf) grams might lead to shortages in the future for the in the 1980s to 7.6 billion Bsf by 1990. This figure wood supplies needed to produce OSB and to fuel for U.S. production rose to 11.2 billion Bsf in 2016 catastrophic forest fires? and is expected to rise to 15 billion Bsf by 2021. Too bad the Forest Service can’t collect royalties This is where our forest and wood processing for their part in giving birth to OSB. residues are going today—in competition with demands for pulp chips, energy, landscaping and Author’s note: A detailed accounting for the evolution- other uses. OSB’s success has also been good news ary history of OSB was published in February 2015 for our forest management programs that are with authorships shared by John I. Zerbe, Zhiyong Cai focused on mitigating our annual surge of forest and George B. Harpole – as a Forest Service, Forest fires by utilizing the forest materials that contribute Products Laboratory (FPL) General Technical Report most to the uncontrolled spread and escalation of (GTR) 265. This GTR publication is available for forest fires. free downloading from the Forest Products Laboratory’s So, can you believe that our fuel reduction pro- website.

FORMER SMOKEJUMPERS HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE The following is a shortened version of the excellent county attorney and county judge. article by David Lowe in the May 21, 2019, issue of American Legion Post 277 Commander Jack the “Lampasas (TX) Dispatch Record.” Thanks to Ken Sheldon gave the keynote address describing the Hessel (MYC-58) for sending it along. (Ed.) men as “quiet heroes.” Leah Lewis Hessel (sister of John Lewis) bout 90 people attended a memorial program thanked the memorial committee for the monu- Aon May 18, 2019, in Lampasas to honor ment that is a “remarkable tribute to her brother former residents Darrell Eubanks (IDC-54) and and Eubanks. Today is the day that recognition of John Lewis (MYC-53) who died in a plane crash their lives becomes a permanent part of the his- in Laos in 1961. Both were working for the CIA tory of their beloved hometown of Lampasas.” and were recently honored with a star on the Ken Hessel, who served in Laos from 1963-75, Agency’s Wall of Honor. There are four former described Eubanks and Lewis as quiet men, but smokejumpers honored with stars on that wall. (Ed.) strong leaders. “I would say that their leadership A granite monument to the men stands in the helped out in several tight situations, both in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas. Both Eubanks Forest Service and overseas, when they were CIA and Lewis were graduates of Lampasas High employees. You could always depend on them to School Class of 1954. Lewis’ father was mayor, have your back in tight situations.”

John S. Lewis—Honored Smokejumper By Ken Hessel (McCall ’58)

e packed a lot of liv- in Cuba, night missions over were spent enjoying the normal ing into his short 25 Tibet, and missions in northern pursuits of young boys living Hyears—bronc and bull Laos. in a small Texas town. In high riding in Texas, smokejumping John was born in Lampasas, school, where he excelled as a in Idaho, Bay of Pigs Invasion Texas, in 1936. His early years student and athlete, he heard

Check the NSA website 42 National Smokejumper Reunion the McCall Smokejumper Base and made the decision to bring the 10-man brush crew in for smokejumper training. John made his first fire jump August 16, 1953, on the Neth- kin Trail Fire. At that time, he was 17 years, two months old— the youngest smokejumper? His last fire season was in 1959. John attended the Univer- sity of Texas during the winter months of December 1959. He had obtained a private pilot’s license, which he used to man- age his cattle business. In De- cember 1959, John was asked if he would be interested in a job with the CIA. Needless to say, he jumped at the chance and was soon making night drops of arms and ammunition to Ti- bet and other missions in Laos supplying Vang Pao’s Hmong Army. In January 1961, he was on his way to Guatemala to help with the ultimate invasion of Cuba. By May 1961, John was back in Laos and engaged with supply flights to the Hmong troops. On August 13, 1961, stories from older friends about North. Once out of the car, he died in a plane crash while fighting forest fires in Idaho. “John told us to head for town involved with these missions. What fascinated him the most and don’t look back.” Also killed in the crash were were the ones about smoke- Undaunted by the nearly smokejumper Darrell Eubanks jumpers—being an adventurous 1800 miles ahead of him, John (John’s close friend from Lam- soul, he decided he was going to stuck out his thumb and ar- pasas) and Dave Bevan, a Mis- become a smokejumper, come rived at McCall three days later. soula smokejumper. These three hell or high water. On June 8, John signed on as smokejumpers and the two pi- At 16 years of age and a a “brush crew smokejumper” lots were among the first killed junior in high school, his plan along with nine other men. in the Laotian theater of the was to head to Idaho as soon The crew included Stan Tate Vietnam War. as school was out. As my wife, and Miles Johnson, who were In March 1994, John was Leah, tells the story, it was with to become John’s close friends. one of four Americans awarded great trepidation that she and Veteran jumper, Reid Jackson, a Medal of Valor by the Cuban her mother drove John a couple was the ramrod of the crew. Veterans Assault Brigade. miles outside Lampasas and In the middle of July 1953, In November 2002, the CIA let him out on Highway 183 Jackson was named foreman at posthumously awarded him the

June 26–28, 2020 in Boise 43 www.smokejumpers.com Agency’s Medal of Valor. The Agency’s “Wall of Honor” to Lewis family. medal was presented to John’s the smokejumpers who died in John, Darrell, and Dave will sister, Leah, in LaGrande, Or- the 1961 crash in Laos. Agency be forever remembered for their egon, by a CIA emissary. Director Mike Pompeo pre- ultimate sacrifice. The addition Finally, in May 2017, al- sented individual marble stars of the three stars on the “Wall most 56 years after the fatal to each of the families during of Honor” finally completes the plane crash in Laos, the CIA the ceremony. Leah Hessel ac- life stories of three dedicated dedicated three stars on the cepted the star on behalf of the United States patriots.

My First Fire Jump by Mark Romey (Missoula ’75)

was in the New Man Class of 1975 at the a base course and Missoula jump base. triangulated, lining up I We spent our time learning how to para- three mountain peaks chute into the forest environment to fight fire. We to drop us out. learned how to read the terrain and fire in picking He did a pretty jump spots, how to maneuver the chute, how to good job getting in rappel in case we got hung up in a tree, and how the same area before to adapt to changing situations. Little did I know we were kicked out, all of these situations would come into play on my but we couldn’t see the first fire jump. fire; there was no jump The fire was up Anna Creek on the Lolo Mark Romey (Courtesy M. spot – just voices. Romey) National Forest. We were going to jump it at There were 16 daybreak. There were 16 of us – a full DC-3 load smokejumpers onboard. I was No. 12. That meant – going to the fire. there were 11 guys ahead of me on the ground We were to meet at the jump base at 4 a.m. yelling. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they were for breakfast. We loaded up and were in the air as in the same place, but they were in 11 different the sun was coming up. As we arrived at the fire, places scattered over a big area. we could not see the fire; it was covered with low My jump partner was Les Holsapple (MSO- clouds and ground fog. 73). I watched him disappear in the clouds, hop- The ceiling over the fire was about 500 feet, ing I would see him on the “other side.” meaning we wouldn’t see anything until we were When I broke through the clouds, I was over 500 feet above the ground. the fire. Before I knew it, I only had enough time Dick Hulla (MSO-75) was also a “new man” to turn and back into an 80- to 90-foot spruce and this was his first fire jump. The spotter – Bill tree. I was hung up 40-50 feet above the ground. Meadows (ANC-66), I believe – told us since we I pulled on the risers of my chute to see if I was couldn’t see the ground, we should steer for the solid enough to rappel down. voices. He told the first two-person “stick” to start All of a sudden, I slid down the side of the yelling as soon as they hit the ground. tree and landed on my back on a punky log, sur- Dick and I gave each other a funny look. “Oh, rounded by smoldering fire. Les was getting his sure – our first fire jump and we can’t even see the gear together nearby, asked if I was okay and said, ground,” we said. “You’re pretty entertaining, Romey.” We circled and circled the fire until the first The rest of the time on this fire was also pretty stick got a glimpse of the fire. The pilot used entertaining.

Check the NSA website 44 National Smokejumper Reunion BLAST FROM THE PAST by Jack Demmons (Missoula ’50) ward of the motion pictures The Daily Missoulian were central figures in a poster February 2, 1951 used to promote a project of the Los Angeles Chamber of Smokejumper Now Commerce, called “Give A Lift With A Gift For The Boys In Is In Army Working Korea.” On Newspaper Owens lived in Deer Lodge before coming to Missoula. In Keith Owens (MSO-50), receiving smokejumper train- smokejumper who entered the ing last summer, he was the Army last August, is stationed fort’s newspaper. He was a Uni- object of a helicopter lift to the at Fort MacArthur, California, versity journalism student. Garden City after being where he is working on the Owens and Susan Hay- injured in a parachute jump.

Afterthoughts by “Swede” Troedsson (Missoula ’59)

wound up the 1988 fire season as an air sup- Some time ago, I was dating a woman in Red port supervisor on a fire near Cooke City, Lodge, Montana. She introduced me to a friend IMontana. I had dinner in Cooke City one who retired as a commercial pilot with a major evening with an Evergreen helicopter pilot. I was airline. I am impressed with the number of com- telling him about managing helicopter pilots. mercial airline pilots who retire and decide to buy I always tried to get them into a motel, and if or build fancy homes and live in Red Lodge. they had to get to a telephone – this was in the Her friend was hosting a barbecue and we were days before mobile phones – on the pretense of invited. As I was sitting there, sipping a G&T getting a mechanic or a relief pilot, I tried my best and nibbling on fancy snacks, the host pointed to get them to a telephone. me out to several of his retired commercial airline Many of these pilots were on their second buddies. He told them, “That fellow was a smoke- marriages, or working on their third. I suspected jumper.” they really wanted to talk to their new girlfriends, or their attorneys. I didn’t need their problems One of them inquired as to what distracting them from safely transporting our type of planes I’d used … firefighters. The Evergreen pilot said this was called That caught their attention, and one of them “AIDS” in their profession. When I asked him inquired as to what type of planes I’d used for what “AIDS” meant, he said it stood for “Avia- jumping. I replied, “Ford Trimotor, DC-2, DC-3, tion-Induced Divorce Syndrome.” I told him I Travelair and Twin Beech.” knew some former smokejumpers who’d suffered They exploded in laughter. I admitted that this from that same affliction. no doubt dated me.

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 45 www.smokejumpers.com Smokejumpers utilize technical manuals to improve chain saw and Pulaski skills. On the job training - Red Shale Fire 1979 (Courtesy Karl Brauneis)

NSA Good Samaritan Fund Contributions

Donor In Memory Of/Honor of Donor In Memory Of/Honor of Randy Rowland (GAC-90)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Joe Easton...... Celebrating marriage of Naomi Mills Les Tschohl (MSO-66)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief and Tyler Keith (WYS-13) Len Kosup (Assoc.)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Don Smith (MSO-58)...... Dave Poncin (MSO-58) Jim Fritz (CJ-59)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Jim Lancaster (MYC-62)...... Dick Terry (MYC-58) Denny Breslin (NCSB-69)...... Darold Thornton Virginia Fitzgarrald...... Keith Fitzjarrald (NCSB-63) (NCSB-69) Lonnie Park (MYC-54)...... Reid Jackson (MYC-49) Del Hessel (MYC-59)...... Scholarship Fund Darrell Eubanks (IDC-54) Joe Sterling (MSO-73...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Jim Snapp (MSO-65)...... Good Sam Fund Andi McQuade (MSO-92)...... Margarita Phillips George Gowen (MSO-54)...... Good Sam Fund (MSO-88) Landis Pete (CJ-62)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Frank Just (MYC-54)...... GSF Cole Macpherson (MSO-55)...... Good Sam Fund John Manley (CJ-62)...... Steve Johnson (CJ-62) Perry Rahn (MSO-61)...... GSF Camp Fire Relief Contributions since the previous publication of donors April 2019 Total funds disbursed to smokejumpers and families since 2004-$181,240 Mail your Good Samaritan Fund contributions to: Chuck Sheley, 10 Judy Ln., Chico CA 95926

Check the NSA website 46 National Smokejumper Reunion Remember and honor fellow jumpers with a gift to the NSA Good Samaritan Fund in their name. Hard times can fall on many of us at any Off time. The NSA is here to support our fellow jumpers and their families through the Good Samaritan Fund. Mail your contribution to: The Chuck Sheley 10 Judy Lane List Chico, CA 95926

Doyle W. Gerrard (Missoula ’53) teaching horse management classes. Doyle, 89, died April 17, 2019, in Missoula. Wes jumped at McCall during the 1961-62 Moving from Ohio, he came to Montana to at- seasons. tend college. Doyle served with the Marine Corps in Korea. Gary D. McMurtrey (McCall ’73) After earning his teaching credential, he taught Gary “Big Mac” McMurtrey passed away on in Montana, Wyoming and other western states. June 21, 2019, after weeks of declining health. For Doyle took up distance running in his late 40s many years, Big Mac ran the Alaska Smokejumper and ran marathons and 10K races. Upon retire- Welfare Fund with an iron fist and a heart of gold. ment from teaching, he lived in the Bitterroot Val- Many are the smokejumpers that ended up on the ley, became a skilled hunter, and was an advocate short end of a deal with Big Mac. His motto in for the Friends of the Bitterroot. Doyle jumped at running the welfare fund was “Caveat Emptor,” Missoula during the 1953-55 seasons. Let the Buyer Beware. Behind the irascible, gruff exterior was a man Stanley K. Underwood (Missoula ’67) of kindness and generosity, a loyal friend, and a Stan, 74, died May 2, 2019. He graduated hardworking smokejumper. Gary jumped at Mc- from the University of Montana Forestry School Call in 1973, Alaska 1974-78 and 1980-84. in 1967 and jumped at Missoula during the 1967- 68 seasons. Stan started his career with the USFS David R. Pierce (Redmond ’65) in 1968, retiring in 2006 after working in Silvi- Dave, 75, died from complications of pancre- culture and Forest Management on the Nez Perce, atic cancer on June 1, 2019. Dave was a smoke- Lolo and Bitterroot National Forests. jumper in Redmond 1965-66, a Missoula Smoke- Stan remained active in fire, including seven jumper 1967-68 and 1981. years as an independent contractor and 12 years as During 1970 Dave worked as a skydiving in- an operations sections chief on a Type II team. structor, jump pilot, and master parachute rigger for Parachutes Inc., Orange, Massachusetts. Wes G. Schroeder (McCall ’61) Dave was a BLM Alaska smokejumper 1971- Wes, 82, died January 27, 2019. After graduat- 80. From 1980 until his retirement in 1998 Dave ing from Bemidji (MN) High School, he joined worked in the National Smokejumper Technical the Army and served as a medic with the 82nd Air- Position at the U.S. Forest Service Technology borne. Wes graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary & Development Center (MTDC) in Missoula. Medicine Degree from the University of Minneso- While at MTDC, Dave oversaw projects that ta in 1964 and started one of the first exclusively developed an array of smokejumping equipment equine practices in the state in 1966. In 1972 he and procedures. This included development of the cofounded and operated Minnesota Equine As- FS-14 parachute, multiple smokejumper aircraft sociates in Maple Plain where he worked for 48 evaluations, and production of training videos for years. smokejumper pilots, spotters, and smokejumper In 1981 the Minnesota Horse Council hon- canopy handling procedures. ored Wes as Horseman of the Year. He was active In 1991 Dave received the Forest Service in Endurance and Competitive Trail riding and “Chief’s Award” for transfer of new technology

June 26-28, 2020 in Boise 47 www.smokejumpers.com to the Smokejumping Program in Ulan Bator, with his PhD in Biology from the University of Mongolia. Illinois and spent time as a professor at the Uni- versity of North Carolina. Dick ended his career Steven T. Johnson (Cave Junction ’62) working at the Boise Interagency Fire Center as Steve died May 5, 2019, at his home in Kailua the center manager, coordinating wildfire training Kona, Hawaii. He served in the 304th Air Force classes and other training of new jumper recruits. para-rescue unit and retired as a Battalion Chief He retired and lived outside Eagle for over 46 with the Portland, Oregon, Fire Bureau in 1993. years. Dick jumped at McCall 1958-63. Steve and his wife, Kathy, moved to Hawaii in 1996. Steve jumped at Cave Junction 1962-63-65 Howbert W. Bonnett (Cave Junction ’49) and Redmond in 1964. Hobbie, 88, died April 29, 2019. He was raised in Sacramento and graduated from the Andrew G. Nielsen (McCall ’46) University of Idaho with a degree in forestry. Hob “Ace,” 96, died May 22, 2019. He attended spent 36 years with the Forest Service in positions Boise Jr. College where he played shortstop on from Timber Management, District Ranger, and the baseball team. Ace later graduated from Idaho retiring as assistant to the Forest Service Chief of State. He was a Naval aviator during WWII, and Administration in Washington, D.C. you can see his display at the Nampa, Idaho, War- After retiring, he moved to North Carolina, hawk Air Museum. where he ran a computer consulting business. Ace was involved in the Idaho Dairy Associa- Hobbie jumped at Cave Junction during the 1949 tion and was President of the Meridian Dairy season. Days. He was a regular attender at the local smokejumper gatherings. Ace jumped at McCall Homer B. “Smiley” Williamson (Missoula ’46) 1946-48. Smiley died June 26, 2919. His truck driving career began in 1963 and lasted 32 years and five Richard B. Terry (McCall ’58) million accident-free miles. Smiley jumped at Dick, 81, died May 10, 2019. He graduated Missoula during the 1946 season.

NSA History Project

Archive EstablishedGive Us Your.....

Films... Photos... Tapes... Footage... National Smokejumper Archive Established NSA has established a Smokejumper archive to reside at Eastern Washington University. The archive will be the prime national record for Smokejumper history. NSA needs your help to gather any form of record that involves you and your knowledge of smokejumping: films, photos, articles, books, oral histories, personal jump records.... Chuck Sheley Stan Collins Contact: 10 Judy Ln. or 1312 Jeppesen Av. Chico, CA 95926 Eugene, OR 97401 [email protected] [email protected]

Check the NSA website 48 National Smokejumper Reunion