‘Dream come true,’ for 4-year-old junior jumpmaster
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
For nearly two minutes on Saturday evening, Julian Antipuesto yelled out instructions to the Black Daggers, members of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team.
Not bad for a 4-year-old junior jumpmaster.
“This is probably, in this setting, his dream come true,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Antipuesto, Julian’s father, who watched with pride behind home plate at J.P. Riddle Stadium as his son gave commands. “I try not to push anything on him, so this is all him. This is my son in the making, I guess. I’m kind of speechless.”
In front of a sold-out crowd ahead of the Fayetteville SwampDogs’ baseball game against Holly Springs, Julian took his job serious, “practiced for hours” and didn’t miss a beat during the pre-game festivities.
After all, he’s preparing for his future job. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Julian didn’t hesitate.
“A jumpmaster,” he said with a smile and nod of his SwampDogs cap.
Jennifer Antipuesto, Julian’s mother, and John Antipuesto watched – and recorded – as their son watched the Black Daggers descend from the sky to centerfield at the park.
John Antipuesto, who has served in the military for 18 years and counting, was a jumpmaster instructor for four years and spent 10 years in the 82nd Airborne Division.
“(Julian) was born here in Fayetteville, six months before we left for Kentucky,” he said. “Almost a year ago now, every time there’s a jump – and I’m not jumping – I’ll take him to watch. Honestly, it’s just me and him hanging out every time we come out. It’s a proud dad moment.”
When each member of the Black Daggers safely reached the ground, Julian stepped aside to prepare for his next job – throwing out the first pitch.
After a determined throw that bounced across home plate, Julian received a rousing applause as he made his grand exit to the right side of the field adjacent to the SwampDogs’ dugout.
He posed for photos, shook hands and received a pair of medals from the Black Daggers for completing his task.
It was clear, Julian just experienced “the best day of his life.”
A kid of few words, Julian was thankful for the opportunity to meet a few of his heroes.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I like them and they gave me those coins.”
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As a Jumpmaster I've given those same commands many times. Usually over the loud engines of a C-130 at 1AM to 62 82d Airborne Division Paratroopers. While the Black Daggers don't use these commands, Julian was spot on with every single one of them to include the right hand and arm signals.