Utah National Guard paratroopers land in Sanpete County


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SANPETE COUNTY — A Special Forces unit from the Utah National Guard is training in Sanpete County.

Soldiers from the Utah National Guard are jumping out of a Blackhawk helicopter from 1,500 feet.

“This is not my first jump, and it’s not going to be my last,” said Sgt. Major Steven Wooldridge.

While it may look like fun and games, for the Utah National Guard, it’s a critical training exercise.

“The purpose of this exercise is to keep everyone proficient in airborne operations,” Lt. Col. Larry Henry said. "We are required by Army regulations as paratroopers to jump once a quarter or four times a year.”

The Forest Service provided the training ground in Sanpete County, along with local landowners. Kerry Nielson moved his cattle out of his pasture near the airport.

“It’s neat to see them prepare to do whatever this country needs them to do,” Nielson said.

The mountains allow the soldiers to simulate high elevations and rugged regions in other parts of the world.

“In those high mountains we have a lot of trees and vegetation that we normally don’t get to train on at Camp Williams,” Wooldridge said.

In all, 300 soldiers are involved in the training through next week, which includes a sling load operation — moving a 2 ½ ton Humvee by helicopter.

“It’s not just the civilian community here in Sanpete County that is supporting us, but also our employers, our schools, and our families at home that also take care of us and make sure we are able to do the job we are paid to do,” Wooldridge said.

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Sam Penrod

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