Making a financial donation to the Combined Federal Campaign is a conventional way to support charitable causes.

But there have always been those who relish the opportunity to challenge themselves in an effort to rally the troops to dig deep for a good cause.

Rick Penn, the 66th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis branch chief, is just that kind of person. He joined the Air Force in 1975 and served until 1982.

Mr. Penn has taken his passion for charitable causes to the extreme.

In college, Mr. Penn volunteered to run a half marathon to support The United Way. From that point on, volunteering to participate in physical activities to raise money for charity became a habit.

While living in England, he rappelled down the outside of tall buildings in charity events. One event was for a fundraiser benefiting senior citizens and the other was for a McDonald's-sponsored charity for homeless children.

Later, he took the plunge in a 200-foot bungee jump in support of The Royal Institute for the Blind. He also performed a static-line parachute jump from a Britton Norman Islander aircraft to raise funds for England's National Institute for Mental Health. 

"The parachute jump was very quiet and peaceful, once I exited the aircraft," he said.

While these feats were risky, an even more hazardous event is his favorite.

"By far, my favorite stunt for charity was a wing walk aboard a Stearman bi-plane," Mr. Penn said. "It was an exciting, exhilarating flight made more so by a surprise twist.

“At 5,000 feet, the support I was anchored to gave way,” he said. “The next thing I knew, I was flipped backward and upside down looking into the front seat of the bi-plane with my legs in the air. I had to hang onto the seat until we landed a few minutes later.”

Regardless of the precarious turn of events, Mr. Penn said he had no regrets.

"I had the time of my life. Despite suffering a broken arm, I'd do it again," he said. "In fact, the wing walk, parachute jump, rappelling, bungee jump -- I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."

In addition to pulling stunts for charity, Mr. Penn also took glider flying lessons and private pilot lessons in England.

"My dad was a pilot. He flew charters and was an instructor pilot. He was also an accomplished stunt flyer. Maybe that was what sparked my interest when the chance to do a wing walk became available," he said. "My dad would have done a wing walk had the opportunity been made available to him when he was alive."

Mr. Penn also joined a group of volunteers organizing events for The Special Olympics. This was the start of a 20-year commitment to that organization.

"Volunteering in Special Olympic events is good for the soul,” he said. “Whether working games, hauling equipment or picking up trash, the smiles and laughter of the athletes all make for a very fulfilling experience."

(Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service)