Working with gravity

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Outdoor enthusiast Sgt. Doug Thomasec gathers up his deployed chute from the ground repacking it as he prepares to go another round with gravity.

Locally based with the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) here on Fort Bragg, Sgt. Thomasec said that this is in fact his 56th jump.

On this brisk December morning airborne Soldiers had been waiting to conduct practice jumps for the 18th annual Operation Toy Drop taking place over the next two weeks.

Soldiers from across not only the United States but also many others gather on the Nijmegan drop zone in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in an effort to top last year's operation which raised more than 6,000 toys for children in need.

As a seasoned jumper this is not Thomasec's first time participating in Operation Toy Drop. In 2011 he was introduced to Operation Toy Drop and when given the opportunity was more than happy to participate in such a worthy cause again.

Thomasec said he looks forward to his upcoming jump, which is scheduled in a week.

Traveling down from Columbus, Ohio, Platoon Sgt. Richard Elliot with the 412th Civil Affairs United States Army Reserve makes his eleventh jump.

"That's the good thing about it, it gets a little easier but no less fun," said Elliot.

This jump however has a bit more to it than normal for Elliot. On this successful jump he has just earned his German jump wings, as well as participated in his first ever Operation Toy Drop.

All smiles from his "four-second free fall and following descent," Elliot said that eventually he would like to participate in a jump with a longer free fall.

However, until that day he said he could not think of a better use of his time than to do what he enjoys as he helps provide care and support for children in need.

With that parting thought, he hurried away to get ready for his 12th jump.