Senator Mastriano

Here I am at Airborne School, Fort Benning, Georgia (Early 1980s)

Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, was a demanding three-week course designed to transform soldiers into qualified paratroopers.

Week One - Ground Week focused on mastering the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF), the technique that allowed paratroopers to absorb the impact of landing and avoid injury. We also learned parachute rigging, aircraft procedures, and the fundamentals of airborne operations.

Week Two - Tower Week introduced us to exiting an aircraft. We practiced parachute landing and control on swing landing trainers and jump towers before graduating to the iconic 250-foot towers, where we experienced the closest thing to an actual parachute descent without leaving an airplane.

Week Three - Jump Week was the culmination of the course. To earn the coveted silver parachutist wings, each student had to successfully complete five parachute jumps from aircraft flying between 1,200 and 2,000 feet above the ground. Those five jumps marked the successful completion of one of the Army`s most demanding and respected schools.

This photograph was taken during Jump Week, just before one of my qualifying jumps. At the time, the Army was in the midst of transitioning from the old olive-green utility uniform to the new Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). Olive-green T-shirts had not yet been issued with the BDUs, so many of us wore the white T-shirts that had been standard under the older uniforms, a small detail that dates this photograph to the early years of the Army`s transition.

Today we celebrate St. Stephen`s Day, Hungary`s National Day, honoring King Stephen I, the founder of the Hungarian state and the nation`s first Christian king.

Happy National Day to the people of Hungary! Wishing you peace, prosperity, and continued friendship with the United States.

Update: The helicopter was carrying two state troopers who were participating in a routine training flight. The collision caused major damage to the helicopter and left both troopers trapped inside.

The pilot of the Cessna is believed to have been the only person aboard and was killed in the crash. The pilot’s identity has not yet been released.

The two injured troopers were identified as Cpl. Bryce Korman and Trp. Jason Mills.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the airport following the crash. An investigation is underway to determine exactly what led to the collision.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.

Rebbie and I are praying tonight for everyone involved in the tragic collision near Carlisle Airport this evening involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane.

🚦 TRAFFIC ALERT: New All-Way Stop Coming to Greencastle, PA

PennDOT will install a new stop sign configuration on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the intersection of South Washington Street (Route 2001) and Leitersburg Street (Route 2002) in Greencastle Borough.

🛑 New stop signs will be installed for northbound and southbound traffic on South Washington Street, making the intersection an All-Way Stop.

⚠️ Drivers should be alert for:
• “Stop Ahead” signs with flashing amber lights
• Flashing red lights on the new stop signs
• Variable Message Signs warning motorists of the new stop condition

The flashing amber lights will remain for 30 days, while the flashing red lights will remain for 60 days before being removed.

Please use extra caution and be prepared for the new traffic pattern when traveling through the intersection.

For current traffic conditions, visit 511PA.com or use the free 511PA app, available 24/7.

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🚧 I-81 Northbound Welcome Center Closure – Franklin County

The northbound I-81 Welcome Center in Franklin County will be closed from 7:00 PM Thursday, August 20, through 6:00 AM Friday, August 21, for final paving on the entrance and exit ramps.

📍 The Welcome Center is just north of Exit 1 (Route 163/State Line). The next available rest area is just south of Exit 37 (Route 233/Newville) in Cumberland County.

🚗 Drivers are reminded to slow down, follow work-zone signs, and use caution around construction crews.

The closure is part of a $17.8 million project involving resurfacing, concrete repairs, guiderail updates, signage and pavement markings along I-81 from the Maryland State Line to Milepost 6.

👉 Check traffic conditions, delays and cameras at 511PA.com.