U.S. Military Veteran Training for Death Defying Stunt

Former Navy SEAL Uses Extreme Sports for the Extreme Needs of Veterans and First Responders

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Nov 11, 2015, 09:11 ET

DALLAS, Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Former U.S. Navy SEAL, Ryan "Birdman" Parrott, is training for a death-defying BASE jumping and snowboarding stunt as part of his mission to use extreme sports to raise funds and awareness for veterans and first-responder charities. The Bird's Eye View Project, a web series and documentary, follows Parrott on his journey toward "Operation Miracle Jump," a first-ever stunt taking place in May 2017. Trailer video: https://www.birdseyeviewproject.org.

Ryan "Birdman" Parrott in his wing suit.

Ryan "Birdman" Parrott on patrol in Iraq.

Parrott, who served three combat tours in Iraq, suffered blast injuries after his SEAL team's Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive devise (IED). Frustrated with his own experience and the experiences of those around him, Ryan learned the challenges common among all veterans and first-responders and felt compelled to help. He formed the non-profit "Sons of the Flag" in 2012, and wrote a book of the same name to share the stories of military, first responder and civilian burn survivors. More at http://www.sonsoftheflag.org.

"People will watch and share a YouTube video of a wingsuit flight down a mountain, a snowboarder carving deep powder, or a Kickstarter campaign for the latest widget that may never see the light of day," says Parrott. "Our veterans and first-responders need that same level of support. It's time we support those who support us."

This isn't Parrott's first attempt at pushing the limits; in the past three years he's raised funds and awareness for charities by riding a bull in a rodeo competition and running 106 miles from Dallas to Houston in 24 hours, feats for which he had no experience but succeeded as a result of intense training.

"These days it takes big events to make a significant impact," says Parrott "There are many small charities doing great things but no one knows who they are. They don't have the funding to push their message out to the masses. That's what the Bird's Eye View Project does."

With a couple of skydives, no BASE jumping experience, and an amateur snowboarding background, Ryan is surrounding himself with a team of professionals to help him reach his goal. At the heart of Ryan's team is X-Games snowboarder Louie Vito, former UFC Champion Guy Mezger, world-renowned BASE jumper, Chris "Douggs" McDougall, and E.J. Caterson, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Craniofacial Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

About The Bird's Eye View Project

The Bird's Eye View project will follow Parrott around the world on an extreme-sports adventure that will include an up-close and personal look at the extreme needs of veterans and first responders. All proceeds will benefit the following charities (more to come):

Sons of the Flag, Carry the Load, Duskin & Stephens, Adaptive Training Foundation, America's Mighty Warriors, Base Camp 40, Rebuilding Warriors, Aspen Valley Ski Club, Rosecrance Florian.

Join The Birds Eye View Project at: http://www.birdseyeviewproject.org. #IServeOurHeroes

Media Contact:
Lee Sammartino
P. 760.621.4214 x1001
Email

Video - http://youtu.be/Y3ODuji6WVI
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151111/286168
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151111/286169

SOURCE Birds Eye View Project