let’s go skydiving
Jess is here to help you
Jessica Wyman served from 2007-2011 in the 75th Ranger Regiment as an 11 B. She deployed in support of OIF and OEF. Upon ETSing, she got a couple of degrees and worked as a diesel mechanic but never found community and like- minded individuals.
At her lowest point, she spent time on suicide watch. She had transitioned and hoped to feel better but she did not. She still had PTSD, had lost her gender identity and felt she had no value in society.
She first heard about Ranger Road through another Ranger. She applied, but got too impatient waiting, so she sold everything and started skydiving. Within the first year, she did 680 jumps, gained her AFF instructor rating and Pro rating.
Since skydiving has brought her the community, purpose and passion she needed – and a reason to have hope for the future, she reached back out to Ranger Road to see how she could help other veterans.
Skydiving may improve your mental health…..
Skydiving is known to cause your body to release performance-enhancing chemicals such as adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. This surge in chemicals has both immediate and long-term benefits. It can help sleep and digestion as well as improve general mental health.
The feeling of achievement and relief after landing can hook you on skydiving.
Skydiving has made a significant contribution to Jess’ psychological and mental well-being. The release of beneficial chemicals combined with a sense of achievement has changed how I view the world and gives me hope for the future.
For Jess, the ability to go back and recall her positive experiences skydiving provides an opportunity to boost her mood when she is feeling depressed. Often, just the distraction of watching videos of past jumps can get her mind back on track.
The sport also allows multiple avenues for career opportunities: tandem instructor, free fall instructor, rigging, clothing design, packing, videography, manifest, drop zone operations and wind tunnel positions.
As we know, it is sometimes difficult for veterans to connect with friends and family. When you start skydiving, instead of distancing yourself from people who cannot skydive, you have the opportunity to go on social outings to a wind tunnel or indoor skydiving centers where you can share your love of the sport with spouses, friends, partners or children. Just sharing videos of your adventures in the sky allows you to share your excitement with your friends and family. You now have something to talk to people about. Many people bring their spouses to watch the fun of the skydivers landing. Non-skydiving spartners can also experience a tandem jump to get a taste of your excitement.
The sport brings together people from all over the world and brings you in contact with people you might not usually engage with. Respect is earned through achievement and repeated safe procedures.
A day at the dropzone is filled with positive emotions and people who are truly living in the moment. Credibility is earned through your ability to control mind over muscle and egos are quickly checked by performance. The need to make smart split-second decisions keeps your mind hyper- focused. Once you become comfortable in the sky, there is no room for negative thoughts or self-doubt to intrude on the jump. This positive effect continues long after the skydive has ended. This has improved all aspects of Jess’ life, including my relationships with friends and family.
The confidence that sky diving has brought Jess has allowed her to view herself in a different light and she hopes to be able to help others gain the same benefits. The sport may not be for everyone but for some it is a perfect match and a life-saver.
Ranger Road has generously offered an A license opportunity for a local veteran to learn to jump with Jess.
As a Ranger Road jump instructor, her purpose is not only to teach skydiving, but provide encouragement and support in a long-term friendship.
Come Jump with Jess! If you know any veterans who might benefit from skydiving, or anyone who might like to donate to Ranger Road, a 501 c3, please contact me or Ranger Road.
Jess’ email: JessicaWyman638@gmail.com
Ranger Road: Skydiving@rangerroad.org