steve1 5 #1 January 13, 2004 I don't mean to embarrass any of these guys. They have all been out of jumping a long time, and I doubt if anyone remembers them so I guess I can change their names and tell what happened. Maybe these are some lessons in what not to do in life, but at any rate they are interesting stories.... I jumped with a guy in the 70's who was the grandson of one of our state's former governors. I heard he even competed in the Olympics in his early 20s in the luge event. In the 80's he did some jumping in at least one James Bond movie. In the 90's he ended up owning a bar and motel and big ranch. We were all impressed with how successful he was and more than a little jealous. Then the authorities caught him. He had a very large boat, loaded with marijuana, that he was trying to smuggle into Canada. It started to make sense how he had become some wealthy so fast. He lost most everything and went to jail. I heard he now works as a preacher. Another fellow I jumped with in the 70's tried to do the same thing but on a much smaller scale. He went way south of the border and bought a big box of whacky tobaccy and then mailed it to his home address. Upon arriving home the federal authorities were waiting for him when he went to pick up his mail. So he too spent some time in the slammer. Also back in the 70's we had a good jump pilot who also flew helicopters for the national guard. He seemed like a really nice guy who wouldn't hurt a fly. He was single when I knew him but he later got married to a gal who was unfaithful to him. He ended up shooting the poor boy friend with a 44 magnum while they were still in the sack. As far as I know he's still locked up. Another great jump pilot and jumper ran afoul of the law back in the 80's. He didn't go to prison, but something worse happend. I read his obituary in the news paper, saying he had died in Texas with no details. I later found out he was flying guns into Mexico and making big money. Apparently a gun deal went sour and someone murdered him. They found his body in the bottom of an out-house. All of these were great guys, great pilots, and jumpers.....I guess they were living just a little too close to the edge....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spizzzarko 0 #2 January 13, 2004 Sucks to be them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonstark 8 #3 January 13, 2004 We used to call it "no visible means of support" when a guy with no real job started driving a fancy new car, bought land, started a busuness, etc. Everybody knew, or shall I say suspected, they had been down south and probably jumped back home with something strapped to their belly. How about those guys that never came home? I knew a few that started their own artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico with twin Beeches and/or Lodestars. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfart 0 #4 February 10, 2004 QuoteWe used to call it "no visible means of support" when a guy with no real job started driving a fancy new car, bought land, started a busuness, etc. I was approached once back in 1981 about making a smuggling jump.I politely turned it down.I'm curious, though about how much smuggling is really done by parachute and how much gets caught vs. how much is gotten away with.Seems like a very innefficient means of smuggling to me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NickDG 23 #5 February 13, 2004 Old Lake Elsinore hands will remember Chris Wentzel . . . http://abcnews.go.com/sections/primetime/DailyNews/rocketbelt_021010.html Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Airdivr 0 #6 February 13, 2004 Holy Shit! I remember Chris when he was jumping on the east coast and had just gotten into photography. This is amazing!!! Elaine D-7863 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wmw999 2,530 #7 February 13, 2004 I was remembering when he was jumping at Spaceland; he had some west-coast demo team he was working with too. Guy got around. Nice guy, too. And yes, Holy shit was the phrase that crossed my mind. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tbrown 26 #8 February 21, 2004 I want to be VERY CAREFUL about how I ask this question, as he's loved by one and all and went in last summer. But what exactly happened with Roger Nelson's smuggling conviction ? I'm only asking because I remember Skydiving Magazine carried a story about his conviction at the time on a cocaine trafficking charge and it looked as though he was facing a life term for it. Roger had claimed at his trial that he'd been operating with the CIA's full knowledge and consent (and it is widely believed, though not proved, that the Contras were funded through CIA endorsed cocaine sales). I sort of lost track of the story after the original verdict, but obviously Roger was freed and resumed his place as a leading figure in our community. And I'm glad he did. I'm not trying to drag his memory down either. It's just that I'm something of a history nut and I've really been curious about whatever happened for some time. So if somebody out there can explain how that ugly story turned out, I'd really like to hear it. Was the conviction reversed, or what ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites murrays 0 #9 February 21, 2004 Roger served several years.-- Murray "No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets." - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tbrown 26 #10 February 23, 2004 Yeah, but was there an appeal, was it reversed or thrown out ? Any legal minds out there with the facts ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #11 February 23, 2004 Ask roger the next time you see him Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #12 February 24, 2004 You do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites murrays 0 #13 February 24, 2004 QuoteYeah, but was there an appeal, was it reversed or thrown out ? Any legal minds out there with the facts ? No. Roger did several years. Seven seems to be popping into my head but I'm not sure if that is the correct number. He was in for a long time.-- Murray "No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets." - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #14 February 24, 2004 QuoteYou do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right? Yep. But we'll all get to meet Roger on the "other side", some of us just sooner than the other. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites neilevan 0 #15 April 24, 2004 I jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites markd_nscr986 0 #16 April 27, 2004 I recall a "Lodestall" from Palatka back in the late 70's that disappeared.....only to be found several weeks?months? later all shot to shit on a beach in Colombia....too bad for those guysMarc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NickDG 23 #17 May 1, 2004 I remember Chris is engaged while at Lake Elsinore, and SHE says, is it Vickie or Nancy?, I'm not sure . . . ? "Lose twenty pounds before the wedding . . . or no wedding," so he's going around the DZ saying, "I can't get the munchies, I can't get the munchies . . ." Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RogerRamjet 0 #18 June 25, 2004 QuoteI jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. I knew I knew Chris' name from somewhere, I jumped with him at Downsville in the mid 70's as well. Was there about a week on vacation. Small world... ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Steephen 0 #19 January 2, 2008 yeah really sad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Usetawuz 1 #20 January 2, 2008 There was a guy who ran a jump operation in New Mexico, in the early 80s. John Early. The memory's fuzzy but seems I heard he got busted for 'gun running' and might still be a prison guest somewhere in Brazil. Anyone remember him or know his status? _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites longtall 0 #21 January 2, 2008 Nick; I couldnt get the attachment to open ; I remember Chris from Downsville too. He was forming a professional demo team last I heard. Where is he now?............................J....................." 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites longtall 0 #22 January 2, 2008 There were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............" 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WGore 0 #23 January 2, 2008 QuoteThere were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............ Andrew Carter Thornton III, Knoxville TN, Aug 85' 75 Kilos uncut cocaine strapped to his chest. Street value at the time appox. 6mil. To me that is pretty cost effective.GUNFIRE, The sound of Freedom! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpwally 0 #24 January 2, 2008 IIRC Roger got pinched for tax evasion, after all the agencies involved resolved their differences....smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites howardwhite 6 #25 January 2, 2008 QuoteNick; I couldnt get the attachment to open Not surprising, considering the link was posted nearly four years ago. Interesting to see the number of old threads being dredged up here in the past few days. Old skydivers must have gotten new computers for Christmas. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. 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NickDG 23 #5 February 13, 2004 Old Lake Elsinore hands will remember Chris Wentzel . . . http://abcnews.go.com/sections/primetime/DailyNews/rocketbelt_021010.html Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Airdivr 0 #6 February 13, 2004 Holy Shit! I remember Chris when he was jumping on the east coast and had just gotten into photography. This is amazing!!! Elaine D-7863 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,530 #7 February 13, 2004 I was remembering when he was jumping at Spaceland; he had some west-coast demo team he was working with too. Guy got around. Nice guy, too. And yes, Holy shit was the phrase that crossed my mind. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #8 February 21, 2004 I want to be VERY CAREFUL about how I ask this question, as he's loved by one and all and went in last summer. But what exactly happened with Roger Nelson's smuggling conviction ? I'm only asking because I remember Skydiving Magazine carried a story about his conviction at the time on a cocaine trafficking charge and it looked as though he was facing a life term for it. Roger had claimed at his trial that he'd been operating with the CIA's full knowledge and consent (and it is widely believed, though not proved, that the Contras were funded through CIA endorsed cocaine sales). I sort of lost track of the story after the original verdict, but obviously Roger was freed and resumed his place as a leading figure in our community. And I'm glad he did. I'm not trying to drag his memory down either. It's just that I'm something of a history nut and I've really been curious about whatever happened for some time. So if somebody out there can explain how that ugly story turned out, I'd really like to hear it. Was the conviction reversed, or what ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murrays 0 #9 February 21, 2004 Roger served several years.-- Murray "No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets." - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbrown 26 #10 February 23, 2004 Yeah, but was there an appeal, was it reversed or thrown out ? Any legal minds out there with the facts ? Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #11 February 23, 2004 Ask roger the next time you see him Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #12 February 24, 2004 You do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites murrays 0 #13 February 24, 2004 QuoteYeah, but was there an appeal, was it reversed or thrown out ? Any legal minds out there with the facts ? No. Roger did several years. Seven seems to be popping into my head but I'm not sure if that is the correct number. He was in for a long time.-- Murray "No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets." - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #14 February 24, 2004 QuoteYou do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right? Yep. But we'll all get to meet Roger on the "other side", some of us just sooner than the other. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites neilevan 0 #15 April 24, 2004 I jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites markd_nscr986 0 #16 April 27, 2004 I recall a "Lodestall" from Palatka back in the late 70's that disappeared.....only to be found several weeks?months? later all shot to shit on a beach in Colombia....too bad for those guysMarc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NickDG 23 #17 May 1, 2004 I remember Chris is engaged while at Lake Elsinore, and SHE says, is it Vickie or Nancy?, I'm not sure . . . ? "Lose twenty pounds before the wedding . . . or no wedding," so he's going around the DZ saying, "I can't get the munchies, I can't get the munchies . . ." Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RogerRamjet 0 #18 June 25, 2004 QuoteI jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. I knew I knew Chris' name from somewhere, I jumped with him at Downsville in the mid 70's as well. Was there about a week on vacation. Small world... ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Steephen 0 #19 January 2, 2008 yeah really sad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Usetawuz 1 #20 January 2, 2008 There was a guy who ran a jump operation in New Mexico, in the early 80s. John Early. The memory's fuzzy but seems I heard he got busted for 'gun running' and might still be a prison guest somewhere in Brazil. Anyone remember him or know his status? _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites longtall 0 #21 January 2, 2008 Nick; I couldnt get the attachment to open ; I remember Chris from Downsville too. He was forming a professional demo team last I heard. Where is he now?............................J....................." 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites longtall 0 #22 January 2, 2008 There were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............" 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WGore 0 #23 January 2, 2008 QuoteThere were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............ Andrew Carter Thornton III, Knoxville TN, Aug 85' 75 Kilos uncut cocaine strapped to his chest. Street value at the time appox. 6mil. To me that is pretty cost effective.GUNFIRE, The sound of Freedom! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpwally 0 #24 January 2, 2008 IIRC Roger got pinched for tax evasion, after all the agencies involved resolved their differences....smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites howardwhite 6 #25 January 2, 2008 QuoteNick; I couldnt get the attachment to open Not surprising, considering the link was posted nearly four years ago. Interesting to see the number of old threads being dredged up here in the past few days. Old skydivers must have gotten new computers for Christmas. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
PhreeZone 20 #12 February 24, 2004 You do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right?Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murrays 0 #13 February 24, 2004 QuoteYeah, but was there an appeal, was it reversed or thrown out ? Any legal minds out there with the facts ? No. Roger did several years. Seven seems to be popping into my head but I'm not sure if that is the correct number. He was in for a long time.-- Murray "No tyranny is so irksome as petty tyranny: the officious demands of policemen, government clerks, and electromechanical gadgets." - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #14 February 24, 2004 QuoteYou do realize Roger was killed jumping this last summer right? Yep. But we'll all get to meet Roger on the "other side", some of us just sooner than the other. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neilevan 0 #15 April 24, 2004 I jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markd_nscr986 0 #16 April 27, 2004 I recall a "Lodestall" from Palatka back in the late 70's that disappeared.....only to be found several weeks?months? later all shot to shit on a beach in Colombia....too bad for those guysMarc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #17 May 1, 2004 I remember Chris is engaged while at Lake Elsinore, and SHE says, is it Vickie or Nancy?, I'm not sure . . . ? "Lose twenty pounds before the wedding . . . or no wedding," so he's going around the DZ saying, "I can't get the munchies, I can't get the munchies . . ." Nick BASE 194 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerRamjet 0 #18 June 25, 2004 QuoteI jumped with Chris back in the '70s in Downsville (Near Hagerstown, MD.) We did some SCUBA, too. Anyone seen his old girlfriend Nancy Previti, Wheaton (MD) High Class of '67? If so, ask her to get in touch. Anyone know what prison Chris is in? I'd like to drop him a line. I knew I knew Chris' name from somewhere, I jumped with him at Downsville in the mid 70's as well. Was there about a week on vacation. Small world... ----------------------- Roger "Ramjet" Clark FB# 271, SCR 3245, SCS 1519 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steephen 0 #19 January 2, 2008 yeah really sad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Usetawuz 1 #20 January 2, 2008 There was a guy who ran a jump operation in New Mexico, in the early 80s. John Early. The memory's fuzzy but seems I heard he got busted for 'gun running' and might still be a prison guest somewhere in Brazil. Anyone remember him or know his status? _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longtall 0 #21 January 2, 2008 Nick; I couldnt get the attachment to open ; I remember Chris from Downsville too. He was forming a professional demo team last I heard. Where is he now?............................J....................." 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longtall 0 #22 January 2, 2008 There were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............" 90 right, five miles then cut."---Pukin Buzzards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WGore 0 #23 January 2, 2008 QuoteThere were some successes also.However I did here a story of a jumper found expired in some southern street wearing a rig (deployed) contraband night vision goggles and a stiletto(knife) and some kugerands............................................J............ Andrew Carter Thornton III, Knoxville TN, Aug 85' 75 Kilos uncut cocaine strapped to his chest. Street value at the time appox. 6mil. To me that is pretty cost effective.GUNFIRE, The sound of Freedom! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #24 January 2, 2008 IIRC Roger got pinched for tax evasion, after all the agencies involved resolved their differences....smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardwhite 6 #25 January 2, 2008 QuoteNick; I couldnt get the attachment to open Not surprising, considering the link was posted nearly four years ago. Interesting to see the number of old threads being dredged up here in the past few days. Old skydivers must have gotten new computers for Christmas. HW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
