Smokejumpers

Robert Martin discusses the one season he worked as a smokejumper in 1941. He talks about the training at the Nine Mile Ranger Station in Montana, the equipment, and the equipment modifications he helped make. Martin also describes some of the leaders in the smokejumper program at that time, including Frank Derry and Glen Smith.

Watson “Java” Bradley talks about being the first Navajo smokejumper based out of Missoula, Montana, from 1974 to 1977. Bradley describes his training, particularly the physically challenging aspects of it. He speaks of the pride he felt in being a smokejumper and the camaraderie on the Missoula base where his race was never an issue. He talks about fighting fires throughout the Northwest, New Mexico, and Alaska. Bradley also discusses Navajo culture and how it related to his work.