A Groundbreaking Award for Parachute Riggers: Honoring a Legacy at PIA
The skydiving community is celebrating a significant milestone with the introduction of a new award that honors parachute riggers for their exceptional service and contributions.
Lotem Ragwan, together with the FAA have initiated this award to recognize riggers who have dedicated 50 years of service to the sport—a long-overdue recognition for those who have played such a pivotal role in advancing the safety and technology of parachuting.
The first award of its kind was presented at the Parachute Industry Association Symposium 2025, marking an historic moment for the industry. What makes this occasion even more special is the fact that the inaugural award was presented to the late John Sherman, an iconic figure in the sport of skydiving, through his wife, Nancy La-Riviere. Although John passed away, his groundbreaking contributions to the sport continue to impact the skydiving community. This award, which recognizes John’s 50 years of dedication and innovation, will ensure that his legacy endures for generations of riggers, skydivers, and manufacturers to come.
A Legacy of Innovation
John Sherman’s legacy in the world of skydiving and parachute rigging is remarkable. John was born on February 25, 1939, and joined the U.S. Army in 1957, where he became part of one of the first long-range reconnaissance patrol units. During his time in Germany, he made his first parachute jump in 1958, a moment that would change the course of his life.
Dissatisfied with the outdated military equipment available at the time, John set out to innovate. His obsession with improving equipment led to the development of the first modern “piggyback” harness/container system. This groundbreaking design would later become known as the “Racer”. John’s inventions didn’t stop there—he introduced safety features that have become staples of modern parachuting, including:
- The pull-out pilot chute
- Main riser covers
- Anti-line-strip deployment bags
- Teflon cutaway cables
- The anti-float bag and container concept
- The first elliptical main parachute
- The first tandem system with a 3-point drogue release incorporated into the cutaway handle
These innovations are still in use today, and countless riggers and manufacturers continue to build on John’s foundational work.
A Visionary
John was a founding member of the PIA, where he played a crucial role in shaping the technical direction of the industry. As the chairman of the PIA Technical Committee, he spearheaded the development of the first electronic bulletin board system for skydivers, including the popular “rec.skydiving” forum. He was an accomplished competitor and meet director, earning recognition as the first U.S. skydiver to medal in all three disciplines of Speed Style, Accuracy, and Relative Work in national competition.
In the 1980s, John went on to found Decel, a company that was awarded a grant to redesign the Mid-Air Refueling “Probe and Drogue” system used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force. His design, which earned him a U.S. patent, would go on to become the NATO standard. John’s legacy as a mentor and teacher to hundreds of riggers has left a lasting impact on the sport, and his influence is still felt in the skydiving community today.
A National Movement for Riggers
The new FAA award for parachute riggers marks a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions of these often-unsung heroes of skydiving. There has never been a formal award to honor riggers, particularly the “OG” riggers who have dedicated decades to improving the sport. Many of these pioneers are now retiring or passing away, making the need for such recognition even more urgent.
By initiating this award program, the FAA is providing an opportunity for riggers across the country to be celebrated for their years of service. The goal is for this program to grow and become a national initiative, encouraging riggers from different regions to gain the recognition they deserve. This program honors those who have paved the way for modern skydiving equipment and safety and will inspire future generations of riggers to continue the tradition of excellence.
A Lasting Impact
The introduction of the FAA award for parachute riggers is a monumental step in recognizing the tireless work and innovation that has gone into making skydiving the thrilling and safe sport it is today. This award will celebrate individuals like John Sherman and shine a light on the invaluable contributions of riggers worldwide.
Jo Gramzinsky from the Orlando FSDO office who presented the award sad, “Lotem’s initiative to establish this award stemmed from a keen awareness of the need to bridge gaps and provide recognition within the industry. Through persistence and a clear vision, Lotem made the idea a reality. Her leadership and dedication played a key role in making this award happen.”
Let us all join together to acknowledge the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our riggers—who make every skydive safer, more thrilling, and more memorable.
