| Meet the Rebels |
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David Rotger
USPA # - 173065
A Lic. # - 39764
B Lic. # - 25898
C Lic. # - 34213
Total Skydives - 300 (2011)
I did my first tandem skydive in St. Mary’s, GA in 1992. Shortly afterwards, I enrolled in the Static Line Progression
Course at Otay Mesa in California. I conducted 5 static line jumps and was unable to complete the program. Almost
ten years later in 2001, I enrolled in the Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program at Desert Skydiving Center in Arizona and
I have been skydiving ever since. I joined the Rebel Skydivers because of the camaraderie and to belong to a
skydiving club that has a history that is rooted in family and friendship.
USPA # - 173065
A Lic. # - 39764
B Lic. # - 25898
C Lic. # - 34213
Total Skydives - 300 (2011)
I did my first tandem skydive in St. Mary’s, GA in 1992. Shortly afterwards, I enrolled in the Static Line Progression
Course at Otay Mesa in California. I conducted 5 static line jumps and was unable to complete the program. Almost
ten years later in 2001, I enrolled in the Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program at Desert Skydiving Center in Arizona and
I have been skydiving ever since. I joined the Rebel Skydivers because of the camaraderie and to belong to a
skydiving club that has a history that is rooted in family and friendship.
Ruben Espinoza
USPA # 65154
C-LIC# 13149
D-LIC# 29807
USPA COACH
GW-# 7137
12-FF #5445
POPS-# 10014
SCR-#3261
SCS-# 1327
ACE-#24
PECKERHEAD MEMBER
AIR TRASH MEMBER
I made my first jump at Ski-hi Pioneer, Phoenix,AZ, which was ran by Charlie Merritt, on April 28,1973. My Instructor,
my father Rodolfo Espinoza, and my jump Masters Raul Padilla, Tino De'Anda, and Mel Flores. All of them were
Rebels, I just knew I couldn't go wrong jumping at Ski-hi, Casa Grande, and Coolidge. I progressed rapidly,
earning my SCR and SCS on my 77th jump. Still wearing saga green belly gear. In1990 with 800-850 jumps,I
stopped skydiving. Until my son, Alejandro Espinoza started in 2003, I decided to start again to get a few nice
photo's with him. Then Alex and Brian Speese talked me into starting 'THE REBELS' back up, which had been
disbanded a couple of years earlier. Rebuilding the Rebels was long but fun. Now here we are again with 9 great
members .
USPA # 65154
C-LIC# 13149
D-LIC# 29807
USPA COACH
GW-# 7137
12-FF #5445
POPS-# 10014
SCR-#3261
SCS-# 1327
ACE-#24
PECKERHEAD MEMBER
AIR TRASH MEMBER
I made my first jump at Ski-hi Pioneer, Phoenix,AZ, which was ran by Charlie Merritt, on April 28,1973. My Instructor,
my father Rodolfo Espinoza, and my jump Masters Raul Padilla, Tino De'Anda, and Mel Flores. All of them were
Rebels, I just knew I couldn't go wrong jumping at Ski-hi, Casa Grande, and Coolidge. I progressed rapidly,
earning my SCR and SCS on my 77th jump. Still wearing saga green belly gear. In1990 with 800-850 jumps,I
stopped skydiving. Until my son, Alejandro Espinoza started in 2003, I decided to start again to get a few nice
photo's with him. Then Alex and Brian Speese talked me into starting 'THE REBELS' back up, which had been
disbanded a couple of years earlier. Rebuilding the Rebels was long but fun. Now here we are again with 9 great
members .
Armando De La Trindad
USPA #216725
A License # 51763
POPS #11030
In October of 1978, I went up in a plane to watch my best friend Andy Paddilla make his first skydive. I went up for
the ride and could not believe the adrenaline rush I had from being in a plane with no door. When the plane landed
I was so happy. I was asked how I liked it and my response was, “That was cool!“ Then I was asked if I wanted to
make a jump. Being the macho man I was in those days, I said yes!
I was trained by Tubbey Ramirez for 3 days about an hour each day and that Saturday we went to Sky Hi Pioneer at
Charlie Merritt’s to make my first jump. Boy was I scared shit less! I continued jumping and made 4 static line
jumps. I made my first rip cord jump at Larry Hill’s out by Lake Pleasant. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a
Skydiver.
I was taken in by the Rebel Skydivers Dan Frank, Ruben Espinoza and Tino De Anda. In January 1979, I joined the
Rebels and continued jumping until 1990. I was recertified in at Cal City by Bobby Celaya and returned to the
Rebels in June 2007. In September of 2010, I made my 500th logged jump on my 50th birthday (I have about 250
unlogged jumps)
Blue Skies forever!
USPA #216725
A License # 51763
POPS #11030
In October of 1978, I went up in a plane to watch my best friend Andy Paddilla make his first skydive. I went up for
the ride and could not believe the adrenaline rush I had from being in a plane with no door. When the plane landed
I was so happy. I was asked how I liked it and my response was, “That was cool!“ Then I was asked if I wanted to
make a jump. Being the macho man I was in those days, I said yes!
I was trained by Tubbey Ramirez for 3 days about an hour each day and that Saturday we went to Sky Hi Pioneer at
Charlie Merritt’s to make my first jump. Boy was I scared shit less! I continued jumping and made 4 static line
jumps. I made my first rip cord jump at Larry Hill’s out by Lake Pleasant. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a
Skydiver.
I was taken in by the Rebel Skydivers Dan Frank, Ruben Espinoza and Tino De Anda. In January 1979, I joined the
Rebels and continued jumping until 1990. I was recertified in at Cal City by Bobby Celaya and returned to the
Rebels in June 2007. In September of 2010, I made my 500th logged jump on my 50th birthday (I have about 250
unlogged jumps)
Blue Skies forever!
Alex Espinoza
USPA #193136
A License #46036
I made my first jump in the summer of 2000 after graduation. Brian Speese and Jason Belke, two friends of my father
had recently started jumping and paid for a tandem jump as a graduation gift. After my first tour of duty in Iraq, in 2003, I
thought "what the hell!" and started my jump course with a second tandem in December of 2003. My instructors
included Bob and Judy Celaya, Jay Stokes, Jim Devine and pilots like Markus Wolff. I temporarily gave up the sport in
July 2006, after a bad downwind landing and a broken back. I still had love for the sport and a lot more respect for it, so I
made my re-currency jump in November 2006. I now have 265 "ish" jumps and I have no plans on giving this sport up
now!
USPA #193136
A License #46036
I made my first jump in the summer of 2000 after graduation. Brian Speese and Jason Belke, two friends of my father
had recently started jumping and paid for a tandem jump as a graduation gift. After my first tour of duty in Iraq, in 2003, I
thought "what the hell!" and started my jump course with a second tandem in December of 2003. My instructors
included Bob and Judy Celaya, Jay Stokes, Jim Devine and pilots like Markus Wolff. I temporarily gave up the sport in
July 2006, after a bad downwind landing and a broken back. I still had love for the sport and a lot more respect for it, so I
made my re-currency jump in November 2006. I now have 265 "ish" jumps and I have no plans on giving this sport up
now!
David Flores
Updates Coming Soon
Updates Coming Soon
Brian Speese
Updates Coming Soon
Updates Coming Soon
Marcus Wolff
USPA 75031
A-11811
C-23216
SCR 14348
Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist Gold Winger.
FAA Safety Rep for Part 105 Operations.
Parachuting & Packing since 1984 making my 1st jump in 1974 at age 4, without a parachute, from my father Ziggy
Wolff's Cessna 180 at Meadowlark airport landed right on my head in front of a astonished crowd...ran right to the sand
pit. My father took us to all the California DZ's in the 70's and by the early 80's met the Latin Skydivers. Trained by Hoolie
Oliva & Lyle Cameron Sr. By the early 1990's, I was honored to be the Latin Skydivers' pilot and I was introduced to
Bobby V. and Danny Frank of the Rebels. In early 2000, I was Lance Corporal Alex Espinoza's jump pilot. In the mid
2000's, I was a team member with Ruben Espinoza in two champion winning Flying Peckerhead 5 way speed star
events. Pilot for Bob and Judy Celeya's DZ in Cal City. Mentored by Nord Peterson (Air Trash #1) father Pete (Theodore)
in all aviation matters and piloted his Twin Beech 18. Have been honored and blessed in this sport to have jumped and
piloted the best jumpers on the west coast from Taft to Idaho to Buckeye & beyond. Life long member of the Black Flag
Parachute group who's members ashes are scattered in Elsinore, Taft, Perris and Lucerne Valley. God bless you Bill &
Barabara Pyle. Proud to be a Rebel and Marine with the most awesome Marines since Chesty Puller.
USPA 75031
A-11811
C-23216
SCR 14348
Navy/Marine Corps Parachutist Gold Winger.
FAA Safety Rep for Part 105 Operations.
Parachuting & Packing since 1984 making my 1st jump in 1974 at age 4, without a parachute, from my father Ziggy
Wolff's Cessna 180 at Meadowlark airport landed right on my head in front of a astonished crowd...ran right to the sand
pit. My father took us to all the California DZ's in the 70's and by the early 80's met the Latin Skydivers. Trained by Hoolie
Oliva & Lyle Cameron Sr. By the early 1990's, I was honored to be the Latin Skydivers' pilot and I was introduced to
Bobby V. and Danny Frank of the Rebels. In early 2000, I was Lance Corporal Alex Espinoza's jump pilot. In the mid
2000's, I was a team member with Ruben Espinoza in two champion winning Flying Peckerhead 5 way speed star
events. Pilot for Bob and Judy Celeya's DZ in Cal City. Mentored by Nord Peterson (Air Trash #1) father Pete (Theodore)
in all aviation matters and piloted his Twin Beech 18. Have been honored and blessed in this sport to have jumped and
piloted the best jumpers on the west coast from Taft to Idaho to Buckeye & beyond. Life long member of the Black Flag
Parachute group who's members ashes are scattered in Elsinore, Taft, Perris and Lucerne Valley. God bless you Bill &
Barabara Pyle. Proud to be a Rebel and Marine with the most awesome Marines since Chesty Puller.
Matthew Williams
USPA # 206764
A license # 49149
B license # 29228
Total skydives: 124 (november 2005 - november 2010)
My first tandem skydive was at Desert Skydiving Center (Buckeye, AZ). Gary, the owner, took a great deal of time to talk
with me about the world of skydiving and answered any and all questions I had about the sport, training and the
commitment. Super nice guy! I started AFF training there, at Buckeye, and continued AFF training at Skydive New Mexico
(Belen, NM), completed my “A” license at Mile High Skydiving Center (Longmont, CO). I obtained my “B” license and I
have totally enjoyed the freedom of skydiving by trying to jump every where I go. I live in New Mexico and I would try to
join my extended family of Arizona jumpers at least once a year. I was told that I needed to join the Rebels or they would
hunt me down and take care of things the "old way". So out of complete fear for my burrito eating habit, and my love of
green chili, I agreed to join. It is with great pleasure that I was accepted and I feel honored that I am able to be a part of
this fine club of awesome athletes, even though I live so far away... mi corazón está con ustedes hermanos y hermanas!
I enjoy many different things in life, ranging from my horses to my family in the skies.
USPA # 206764
A license # 49149
B license # 29228
Total skydives: 124 (november 2005 - november 2010)
My first tandem skydive was at Desert Skydiving Center (Buckeye, AZ). Gary, the owner, took a great deal of time to talk
with me about the world of skydiving and answered any and all questions I had about the sport, training and the
commitment. Super nice guy! I started AFF training there, at Buckeye, and continued AFF training at Skydive New Mexico
(Belen, NM), completed my “A” license at Mile High Skydiving Center (Longmont, CO). I obtained my “B” license and I
have totally enjoyed the freedom of skydiving by trying to jump every where I go. I live in New Mexico and I would try to
join my extended family of Arizona jumpers at least once a year. I was told that I needed to join the Rebels or they would
hunt me down and take care of things the "old way". So out of complete fear for my burrito eating habit, and my love of
green chili, I agreed to join. It is with great pleasure that I was accepted and I feel honored that I am able to be a part of
this fine club of awesome athletes, even though I live so far away... mi corazón está con ustedes hermanos y hermanas!
I enjoy many different things in life, ranging from my horses to my family in the skies.
Tyler Freegard
A#62234
USPA# (ill have to get back to you on that one )
I was introduced to the skydiving world at the age of four . My father Jon Freegard and uncle James Freegard were both
avid jumpers and instructors out at Desert Skydiving Center in Buckeye, AZ. I instantly became, for lack of a better term, a
drop zone rat. I spend almost every weekend watching, learning and occasionally demonstrating the perfect PLF or
tapping a keg. My first skydive was a Christmas gift from my parents in 2006 when I was 12 years old. After that jump I
decided I wanted to be a professional skydiver. The only way I saw myself being able to afford this lifestyle was through
packing for the local jumpers at DSC. I wasn’t packing for more than a year and my skills definitely still needed work but
the Rebel Skydivers demanded that I pack for them instead of my brother . From then on I traveled with the club
everywhere from Skydive Red Rock to a makeshift drop zone in Felicity, CA.. I have to say it was a great experience
because I learned more about skydiving from the Rebels than I have anywhere else. I started my jumping course on July
4th 2010 at the age of seventeen and it took me about eight months to complete all my training. On March 26th 2011 I
participated and completed a Collision With The Rebels(#30) formation skydive at Desert Skydiving Center. I believe that
was that weekend I was voted into the Rebel Skydivers as an official club member, which is a great honor since I’m the
only Gringo in the club since the ‘60s.
A#62234
USPA# (ill have to get back to you on that one )
I was introduced to the skydiving world at the age of four . My father Jon Freegard and uncle James Freegard were both
avid jumpers and instructors out at Desert Skydiving Center in Buckeye, AZ. I instantly became, for lack of a better term, a
drop zone rat. I spend almost every weekend watching, learning and occasionally demonstrating the perfect PLF or
tapping a keg. My first skydive was a Christmas gift from my parents in 2006 when I was 12 years old. After that jump I
decided I wanted to be a professional skydiver. The only way I saw myself being able to afford this lifestyle was through
packing for the local jumpers at DSC. I wasn’t packing for more than a year and my skills definitely still needed work but
the Rebel Skydivers demanded that I pack for them instead of my brother . From then on I traveled with the club
everywhere from Skydive Red Rock to a makeshift drop zone in Felicity, CA.. I have to say it was a great experience
because I learned more about skydiving from the Rebels than I have anywhere else. I started my jumping course on July
4th 2010 at the age of seventeen and it took me about eight months to complete all my training. On March 26th 2011 I
participated and completed a Collision With The Rebels(#30) formation skydive at Desert Skydiving Center. I believe that
was that weekend I was voted into the Rebel Skydivers as an official club member, which is a great honor since I’m the
only Gringo in the club since the ‘60s.
