Alexson joined the military at the age of 21 and was a paratrooper with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. (Submitted photos)

By paNOW Staff

Remembrance Day

First Nation veteran reflects on journey as elite Canadian paratrooper

Nov 11, 2025 | 6:00 AM

When Ross Alexson first joined the army, it was as a mobile support operator. It wasn’t until a routine pick up of some airborne troops that he realized his military aspirations may be a little higher – literally.

Alexson, who is originally from Kahkewistahaw First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, served from 1978 – 1983. He joined the military when he was 21 years old and did his training at the Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. He was sent overseas to Cyprus and later went to Germany for more training.

One day, he and his master corporal were sent to pick up some airborne members at 3 a.m.

“He said ‘there’s some idiots jumping out of the airplanes and I don’t know why they do it. They’re not escaping, they’re not running, it’s a capable airplane, but these guys seem to want to jump out of airplanes and that’s what they’re doing.’”

Alexson said he watched as hundreds of camouflaged paratroopers jumped from the sky, backlit by the brightness of the moon.

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“Not one of them said one word. They just came, looked at me and go on the bus. They were gone for six months and all they wanted to do is get home and see their wives,” said Alexson.

It was then he decided that’s what he wanted to do, despite warnings from his superiors that he would likely struggle with the demands of the elite position.

To qualify, he had to do five day jumps, one night jump and a water jump. He did that and passed. The next several months were spent training through more jumps and learning about every piece of artillery he would possibly use.

“They tell you right away… we’re not here to take prisoners. We’re there to go and damage things and take control right away. That’s our job.”

Alexson said he was among 100 members trying to become a paratrooper. He watched at least three or four of his comrades leave the training daily. He had one last chance to prove himself. It was an eight-foot backwards jump in which he had to make a certain roll to properly break his fall. He did it successfully and was able to carry on with training.

“There were other aspects to the course…you got to be able to mountain jump, you got to be good at becoming a diver in the water, which I was not…but I learned how to do all that. You got to become a sharpshooter. You got to do all that and you got to be all the things you thought you could never do.”

He said the training allowed him to become the best soldier he could be.

“I shocked myself,” said Alexson. “I remember looking in the mirror that one day when I got my hat and the airborne wings pinned on my breast, it’s the proudest thing in the world. You’re sitting there after and you can’t believe you work with these guys, who were top of the food chain.”

The Royal Canadian Legion branch in Yorton honoured Alexson with a commemorative veterans banner. (Screenshot/Legion banner guide)

Alexson said he didn’t get there by accident; he proved himself.

After joining the Canadian Airborne Regiment, he travelled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As a part of the 82nd Airborne, he continued to travel through the US with the Green Berets and performed a number of airplane jumps. Ross then went to the 101st Screaming Eagles where he was able to do more training.

“I got 47 jumps since I finished with those guys. I wanted 50, but I got hurt on my 47^th. They called us ‘The Fab Six’ and we were popular back then.”

The jump accident in which his chute didn’t open properly caused Alexson to be out of commission for about a year.

Today, Alexson works as a commissionaire at the Prince Albert provincial courthouse and recently received recognition for his 22 years of service.

Looking back on his time as a paratrooper, Alexson recalled being one, if not the only First Nation member. According to government statistics, there are some 23,000 Indigenous Veterans, and more than 2,700 Indigenous members currently serving in Canada’s military forces.

-With files from Nigel Maxwell and Teena Monteleone

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panews@pattisonmedia.com