Elite Frogs return to Wawasee

The main featured aerial acrobatics included a tri-by-side with red smoke streaming from the heels of jumpers. The tri-by-side begins with a tri-plane, jumpers on each others shoulders, then climbing down and attaching a strap with quick release or strapping up and spreading out. The trio performing the tri-by-side have over 30,000 jumps between them. Crout-Hamel, on the left flank, steered the formation.A variety of music, including patriotic themed songs and of course the various anthems of the Armed Forces, kept the crowd entertained between the jumps. Boaters anchored in Johnson’s Bay waived American Flags during patriotic songs and boat horns sounded in delight for the jumpers.Retired Command Master Chief Herschel Davis once again returned to Lake Wawasee as the master of ceremonies for the jumps, providing those within earshot of the speaker system information about each of the four members and descriptions of their demonstrations.Last year’s event netted $15,000. Stickle stated “I thought we’d do better,” however he said it’s not about the money but “people need to see what its about … it’s really about raising the level of thought about the American flag, country and servicemen, not necessarily about raising money or donations.”Only a few tandem jumps were held this year.Thoughts are already being formulated for next summer’s Elite Frogs event on Lake Wawasee. The date and time will be announced at a later date.Individuals can see videos of past Elite Frogs jumps on the web at www.wawaseenavysealfoundation.org. A video with Davis, Crout-Hammel and Stickle has been posted on inkfreenews.com.