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Awards

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Service Awards

USPA recognizes its members for contributions to the sport of skydiving and to USPA. For more information about service awards, see Section 8 in the Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM) or email us.

USPA Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an expert active or retired sport parachute jumper in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, skill, or personal contribution to the sport of parachuting and the United States Parachute Association, its goals and purposes.

USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service Award
The USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service Award is to honor outstanding Americans who, by their efforts over a period of years, have made significant contributions to the skydiving community.

USPA Regional Achievement Award
The Regional Achievement Award is to honor an outstanding member of a USPA Region who, by their efforts over a period of time or one outstanding act, has made a significant contribution to that region’s skydiving community.

USPA Chesley H. Judy Safety Award
The USPA Chesley H. Judy Safety Award is to recognize any current USPA member who through example, deed, training, or innovation, had promoted safe skydiving in a substantive way.

Achievement Awards

USPA recognizes achievements in canopy formations. The basic requirements for the award are explained on the application and in more detail in Section 8 of the SIM.

USPA 4-Stack
The 4-Stack Award is to recognize any current USPA or another FAI Aero Club member who builds a canopy formation of four or more canopies.

Canopy Crest Recipient 8-Stack Award (Day/Night)
The Canopy Crest Recipient 8-Stack Award (Day/Night) is to recognize any current USPA or another FAI Aero Club member who builds a canopy formation of eight or more canopies.

Canopy Crest Solo Award (Day/Night)
The Canopy Crest Solo Award (Day/Night) is to recognize any current USPA or another FAI Aero Club member for entering eighth or later in a complete eight-canopy or larger formation.

Performance Awards

USPA also recognizes its members for skydiving skill and milestones in skydiving experience. The basic requirements for each award are explained on the application and in more detail in Section 8 of the SIM.

USPA Wings Award
The Wings Award is to recognize any current USPA member with freefall skydives in 1,000 jump increments.

USPA Badge Award
The Badge Award is to recognize any current USPA member with freefall time in 12-hour increments.

Tenure Awards

USPA recognizes Regular and Lifetime members for years of paid memberships and issues certificates of tenure. Once the information is confirmed, a certificate is mailed out. The basic requirements for the award are explained on the application and in more detail in Section 8 of the SIM.

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Recipients Of The USPA Lifetime Achievement Award

Joe Crane
Awarded in 1971 (posthumously)

"For unselfish and dedicated service as founder, president, and chairman of the board of the National Parachute Jumpers and Riggers and its successor, the Parachute Club of America."

 

Lew Sanborn, D-1
Awarded in 1972

"For originating safe and reliable parachute equipment, for pioneering work in freefall photography, and for many other contributions to the sport and USPA."

 

Steve Snyder, D-5
Awarded in 1973

"For pioneering contributions through the years to the saving of lives and the improvement of parachute equipment."

 

United States Army Parachute Team
Awarded in 1974

"Generous and dedicated sportsmen, celebrated competitors, respected leaders who since 1961 have introduced parachuting at its best to worldwide millions and have brought honor and distinction to the sport."

 

Lowell Bachman
Awarded in 1975

"For service to the United States Parachute Association and all competitors as judge and chief judge at countless national championships, and as a dedicated leader in the development of judging excellence."

 

Russ Gunby
Awarded in 1977

"A founding spirit who saw the future when others doubted. As author, executive director, and P.C.A. president, he gave countless hours to build the early framework of our sport."

 

Len Potts
Awarded in 1978

"In recognition of personal sacrifice and countless contributions to skydiving and this organization spanning our decades as a sport. His past is our present."

 

Dan Poynter
Awarded in 1980

"Prolific author, distinguished instructor, preeminent parachutist, whose service to skydiving spans more than 20 active years."

Norman E. Heaton
Awarded in 1981

"In eleven years of devoted service as executive director, he contributed substantially and uniquely to USPA's greatest growth."

 

James F. "Curt" Curtis
Awarded in 1983

"A total contributor to our sport and USPA: competitive champion, headquarters executive, drop zone owner, safety officer, director, board chairman. (For some reason, his service as USPA president was not recorded.)"

 

Chuck MacCrone
Awarded in 1984

"In recognition of outstanding contributions to sport parachuting and as a testament to his unparalleled service as president, FAI-IPC."

 

Jack Bergman
Awarded in 1986 (posthumously)

"USPA Director 1967-1984, Treasurer 1967-1984, National Championships Meet Director 1975-1984. With selfless devotion he gave a quarter century to skydiving and USPA."

 

Carl Boenish
Awarded in 1987 (posthumously)

"A prolific and talented skydiver whose lifetime of pioneering freefall photography brought unforgettable images and better understanding to fellow jumpers and the public."

 

J. Scott Hamilton
Awarded in 1989

"For service to USPA and the skydiving world 1967-1979, a Collegiate League director, Safety and Training Committee chairman, and USPA president."

 

Ken Coleman
Awarded in 1990 (posthumously)

"World and national champion who created the accelerated freefall program."

Loy Brydon, D-12
Awarded in 1993

"In recognition of major contributions to parachuting in the development of equipment, freefall techniques and competition-an original role model of the total skydiver."

 

William H. Ottley, D-298
Awarded in 1994

"In recognition of more than three decades of dedicated service to skydiving and USPA, as board member, vice president and executive director."

 

Dick Barber, C-2375
Awarded in 1995

"For dedicated service to all competitors as a judge at countless U.S. Nationals and world championships, and for the inspiration provided to judges."

 

Clint Vincent
Awarded in 1997

Selfless service for the betterment of all aspects of skydiving and in support of all skydivers."

 

Patrick M. Moorehead
Awarded in 1998

"For unselfish dedication to the United States Parachute Association since 1969 as an ambassador extraordinaire while traveling the world as a member of the board of directors and as a professional skydiving performer."

Sherry Schrimsher
Awarded in 2002

"For their selfless dedication to USPA's competition and instructional programs and as leaders of the community while serving on USPA's board of directors."

 

Jerry Schrimsher
Awarded in 2002 (posthumously)

"For their selfless dedication to USPA's competition and instructional programs and as leaders of the community while serving on USPA's board of directors."

 

Al Krueger
Awarded in 2003

"For almost 40 years of dedication to the sport and especially USPA as a board member, U.S. Nationals meet director, world skydiving champion, and inspirational visionary."

 

Gene Paul Thacker
Awarded in 2004

"For over 40 years of contributions to USPA and the sport of skydiving, particularly in the Style & Accuracy community as an athlete, coach, leader, inspiration, volunteer, conscience and catalyst."

 

Jacques-Andre Istel
Awarded in 2007

"In recognition of his pioneering spirit as he promoted skydiving in America, United States Parachute Teams, and collegiate parachuting competition while serving the United States Parachute Association and its predecessors."

 

Chris Needels
Awarded in 2010

"For almost a half-century of total commitment to USPA as a board member, officer, executive director, and skydiving museum trustee, providing unparalleled leadership, vision and lasting stability."

Paul Sitter
Awarded in 2011

"For nearly three decades of service to the U.S. Parachute Association and its members, particularily in the area of safety and training by helping to educate and improve safety for skydivers everywhere."

 

King Morton
Awarded in 2012

"For improving the sport, enhancing collegiate skydiving and raising the stature of USPA as a competitor, jumpmaster and instructor and by serving 20 years on the USPA Board as Southern Conference Director. "

 

Larry K. Bagley
Awarded in 2013

"For selfless dedication and commitment to the core values of the United States Parachute Association and the skydiving community as advocate, leader and wise counsel for nearly half a century."

 

B.J Worth
Awarded in 2015

"For truly dedicated leadership over more than three decades, serving as USPA National Director, Chairman of the Board and IPC delegate; for promoting the sport through world records and demonstration jumps in front of millions."

 

Alvin Lee Schlichtemeier
Awarded in 2016

"In recognition of his unwavering dedication to USPA’s financial well-being, his wise counsel as a career-long USPA board member and his contribution to the competition community as a national and international judge."

 

Pat Thomas
Awarded in 2018

"For nearly three decades of advancing the sport of skydiving by sponsoring U.S. competitors and teams, being a leader in the harness-and-container industry and masterfully organizing the Parachute Industry Association International Symposium."

 

Ray Ferrell
Awarded in 2019

"For more than 40 years of advancing the skydiving industry in myriad ways, including jumper and pilot training, rigging and aviation innovation, world records, competition, business and service to USPA, all while maintaining the highest standards and principles."

Recipients Of The USPA Gold Medal For Meritorious Service

Lorrie Young
Awarded in 1997

"In recognition of outstanding achievement as a National and International Judge in all skydiving disciplines. Her unwavering dedication to fairness and integrity brought honor, as well as equality, to the judging profession."

 

Jimmy Godwin
Awarded in 1999

"For outstanding and meritorious service to the skydiving community and for sharing his knowledge for over three decades as a Drop Zone owner, rigger examiner, pilot, instructor, and Conference Director."

 

Jerry Bird
Awarded in 1999

"For outstanding and meritorious service to the skydiving community for over thirty years, inspiring jumpers into becoming competitors and for unselfish training and organizing in the field of relative work."

 

Sandra Williams
Awarded in 2000

"For your unparalleled encouragement to women's participation in skydiving and helping set the benchmark for achievement in our sport."

Dave DeWolf
Awarded in 2001

"In recognition of your decades of service to the sport as a rigging school operator, seminar host and mentor."

 

Ted Strong
Awarded in 2002

"For almost a half-century of contribution to the skydiving community as a competitor, a sponsor of numerous US parachute teams, and, most notably, his unique innovation in parachute equipment design including the tandem skydiving system and its importance to the growth of the sport in general and USPA in particular."

 

Bill Booth
Awarded in 2002

"For over three decades of quality parachute equipment design and manufacture, especially his personal contribution to the concept and promotion of the tandem skydiving system."

 

Tom Morrison
Awarded in 2003

"In recognition of more than 40 years as an ambassador for the sport of skydiving worldwide and for serving as an inspiration to skydivers of all ages."

 

Fredrick W. Bill Wenger
Awarded in 2003

"For over 30 years of leadership and support of the skydiving competition community as a board member, judge, team coach, and national and world champion."

 

Michael J. McGowan
Awarded in 2004

"For promoting our sport through professional aerial photography as a freefall cameraman, and for his innovation in developing freefall photography techniques."

 

Tom Sanders
Awarded in 2005

"For over a quarter of a century of promoting skydiving in general and USPA in particular as a professional aerial photographer, contributing often to the USPA calendar and Parachutist magazine."

 

James (Jim) Wallace
Awarded in 2006

"In recognition of almost 40 years dedicated to the skydiving community, and especially USPA, with boundless energy and enthusiasm as an instructor, demonstration jumper, U.S. Team member, and movie stuntman."

 

Norman Kent
Awarded in 2006

"For nearly 30 years of contributions to skydiving and the USPA. Norman’s work has put the highest artistic touch on images of our sport that have been seen by millions."

 

Michael Truffer
Awarded in 2006

"For service to the USPA membership as national director and for his vision and guidance in establishing the U.S. Parachute Team Trust Fund, which has and will continue to support those teams for many years."

 

Judy Celaya
Awarded in 2007

"For almost three decades of dedicated contributions to the worldwide skydiving community as a national and international competition judge, judge course director, and ambassador of the sport."

 

Chris Gay
Awarded in 2007

"For innovations that have redefined the discipline of canopy formation. Chris Gay made the USA the dominant force in international competitions, improved safety and was instrumental in the 100-way world record organization."

 

Mike Lewis
Awarded in 2007

"For being one of CRW's original pioneers. Mike Lewis has been an integral part of every aspect of the discipline's development including safety, equipment, training, competition and organizing the 100-way world record."

Bill Wood
Awarded in 2011

"For acting as a true worldwide ambassador of skydiving as both a demonstration jumper and leader of the Parachutists Over Phorty Society, and for earning an international reputation as a traveling good-vibes skydiver."

 

Jeff Steinkamp
Awarded in 2011

"For nearly four decades of service to the competition community as a nationally rated judge and to the accuracy community in particular as an innovator of accuracy events and scoring systems."

 

Perry Stevens
Awarded in 2012

"For his reserve-static-line invention, which has saved many skydivers with quick, reliable openings."

 

M.T. "Pat" Works
Awarded in 2013

"For over 50-years of contribution as a teacher, innovator, author, competitor - and for encouraging and inspiring countless skydivers to advance their skills and find joy in the blue sky."

 

Roger Ponce de Leon
Awarded in 2014

"For forty-six years, Roger “Ponce” has advanced skydiving as a leader and participant on numerous large formation world records, and promoted skydiving as a coach and load organizer throughout the world."

 

Carol Clay
Awarded in 2015

"For more than 45 years of skydiving and inspiring jumpers around the world as a competitor, record holder and organizer: for mentoring new skydivers and serving as a role model to women entering the sport."

 

Kate Cooper-Jensen
Awarded in 2015

"For advancing big-way formation skydiving throughout the U.S. and abroad as an organizer and multiple world-record holder. Over the decades, Kate has mentored countless skydivers and been a role model to women skydivers around the world."

 

Alicia Moorehead
Awarded in 2015

"For volunteering for 28 years for the Parachutist Over Phorty Society, serving as USA TopPOP #9, World TopPOP #2 and POPS records administrator: for spreading goodwill around the globe and encouraging others to skydive in their later years."

 

Bill Jones
Awarded in 2016

"For more than six decades of sharing his expertise in both the civilian and military skydiving worlds as a visionary, pioneer, innovator, competitor, coach, master parachute rigger, aircraft mechanic, mentor, drop zone owner and multiple world record holder."

 

Robert J. Laidlaw
Awarded in 2016

"For more than 40 years of advancing training methods that have produced professional, highly skilled skydiving coaches and instructors; for developing Skydive University; and for sharing that knowledge with USPA for our student and instructional rating programs."

 

Chuck Karcher
Awarded in 2017

"For his instrumental role in testing and developing the tandem skydiving system, as well as sport parachute designs; for his groundbreaking work in freefall photography and videography; and for helping to pioneer sit-flying."

 

Ben L. Crowell
Awarded in 2017 (posthumously)

"For developing tandem equipment modifications to enable people with disabilities to experience tandem skydiving and for extensively sharing his expertise to both civilian and military rigging and parachuting."

 

Mark C. Baur
Awarded in 2017

"For his contributions and innovations in parachute rigging and equipment, and for many years of teaching and mentoring riggers and skydiving instructors to improve the skill levels of all involved."

 

Greg Windmiller
Awarded in 2018

"For representing true sportsmanship in the U.S. and international skydiving communities as a U.S. Army Golden Knight, multiple national champion, world record holder and U.S. Team leader and for promoting safety as an instructor and canopy piloting coach."

 

Mike Horan
Awarded in 2018

"For his instrumental role in preserving the history of skydiving and USPA by serving as the organization’s archivist, assembling more than a century of the sport’s history and sharing the information freefly with USPA and the skydiving community."

 

Mary Bauer and Bob Stumm
Awarded in 2018

"For helping grow the sport by instructing and mentoring countless students, dedicating themselves to running a club drop zone, fostering a culture of safety both at their home DZ and beyond and being pillars in the Wisconsin skydiving community for decades."

 

Kirk Knight
Awarded in 2019

"For over 40 years of dedication to skydiving, both military and civilian, as an international judge, competitor and role model, and for his immense contributions to the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame."

 

Thomas Jenkins
Awarded in 2019

"For 39 years of dedicated service to skydiving as an instructor, competitor, judge, organizer, mentor and motivator; and for showing a steadfast commitment to skydivers around the world by developing safe practices and leading by example."

 

Bryan Burke
Awarded in 2019

" For three decades of helping improve the safety of the sport by analyzing and sharing accident data and developing procedures for landing and airspace safety; and for serving as meet director for countless national and international competitions."