The title of the book refers to one of the procedures a paratrooper must perform after exiting the aircraft. There are many checks and procedures that need to be performed prior to exiting the aircraft and others required during descent and landing. The most important check is when the trooper counts to four after the exit, feels an opening shock and looks up and sees a billowing canopy fully opened If the canopy is not open, immediate action must be taken. In this intimate narrative, an Army Colonel reflects on his life and career, after losing a battle against kidney disease, largely because he was in denial that anything was wrong and there was always something more pressing to do. The book takes the reader through Cold War assignments in Europe, missions in support of Haiti and Bosnia and post 9/11 support, while his wife and children not only endured multiple moves, new schools, job hunting and leaving friends, they excelled. Through the medical marvel of dialysis and the miracle of a transplant, he could continue working, watch his two children complete graduate school, and walk his daughter down the aisle.About the AuthorJack Welsh graduated from college in 1974 with a degree in English where he was a member of the Intercollegiate Club Football team. After graduation, he spent one year working at United States Steel Homestead Works. He then enlisted in the Army as a Private First Class serving in Germany and spent 28 years and nine months in the military, culminating with command of an airborne battalion at Fort Bragg and assignment as a Colonel on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. After retirement, he stayed on at the Pentagon, first as a contractor and subsequently as a government civilian employee. He continued to work after he was diagnosed with end state renal failure, thanks to great support from his family, friends, and coworkers.
