1 Injured after Military Parachutists Miss their Mark

One soldier was injured today when several Army parachutists missed their mark while attempting to land at Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport after jumping out of a helicopter during a military exercise, according to Detective Donny Pace, Paulding County Sheriff's Department.

The injured soldier was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.

"He was alert and talking," Kerry Tidmore said, Airport Authority Board. "He may have hurt his neck or had a minor head injury."

As the nine soldiers, stationed at Dobbins Air Force Reserve Base, jumped from a CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor helicopter. There was a gust of wind that caused them to miss the drop zone, Tidmore said. The jumpers were using a round-style parachute that is basically unsteerable.

"The military had their own safety personnel on site," he said. "As soon as it happened they were already engaged and responded immediately."

The jump occurred at approximately 1 p.m.