Who Packs Your

Parachute?

Never underestimate the significance of

seemingly insignificant moments

Child Welfare vacation story

• This exercise is about relationships.

• We will take a moment and think about all the insignificant people and things that have gone into making us who we are today.

• We are the sum of millions of parts…..events and acts of courage and kindness.

• Our story begins with a gentlemen named Charles Plumb, a US Navy pilot who flew during the Vietnam war.

Packing Parachutes By Charlie PlumbPublished By: mcclintockfootball on February 1st, 2011

• Plumb flew 75 combat missions off the USN Carrier Kitty Hawk until he was shoot down over North Vietnam.

A-4 Jets fly over Kitty Hawk Nov/17/1967 Vietnam

• Plumb’s jet was hit by enemy fire. He managed to eject from the jet and parachuted into enemy territory where he was captured as a POW.

• Lt Plumb spent from 1967 to his release in 1972 in North Vietnamese prison camp.

Hanoi Hilton

• Plumb was beaten almost every day he was at the Hanoi Hilton.

• He used positive meditation to keep himself from going insane.

• After Plumbs release in 1972 he became a renowned author and professional speaker.

• One day in 1976 while at a restraint in Kansas City he was approached by a man.....

• ……excuse me, your Charles Plumb aren't you?

• …… I’m the guy who packed your parachute ! They place a named tag on each parachute with the packers name on it.

• Plumb thought about all of the 3000+ anonymous faces on the Kitty Hawk and the fact that he was an officer and his life saver was not.

Possible Parachute Packers• School bus driver• Teacher• Neighbors• Friends parents• Hockey coach• Class mate• School cafeteria staff• Girl guide / boy scout leader

Who packed your parachute

• Think of all the acts of kindness and courage that have gone into your success.

• Think about all of those seemingly insignificant people who have provided significant supports to you.

• Explain the significance of these actions.• Fact: As a professional you will action positive

change by way of countless small events......change will not occur from any one dramatic event.

Who’s parachute have you packed ?

• Who’s parachute have you packed and why?• What significance did this have for the other

person ?• What value do you place on looking after the

needs of others.....or.......what did you get out of it ?

Charles Plumb