# @sonsofsatvt on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXW2DxIjV1i
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/64332121-sonsofsatvt-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d53b6cb723.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-20T14:32:25.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Sons of Saturday #Hokies (@SonsofSatVT) — https://gondola.cc/SonsofSatVT

## Caption

Meet Pasha Palanker (pashapalanker), a retired U.S. Army Special Ops Master Sergeant. 

While serving in Iraq on counter-IED operations, he survived multiple blast injuries, encountered a suicide bomber at close range, and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal with Valor. 

Today, Pasha is a mental health advocate, speaker - and now, a Hokie legend. 

He was part of Saturday’s pregame jump at Lane Stadium, where shifting winds turned a routine landing into a moment none of us will forget. Through it all, he stayed composed and was safely rescued by Virginia Tech & Blacksburg first responders. 

We’re glad you’re good, Pasha 🤝 

#TriumphOverTrauma #Hokies 🪂

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 5,667
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 48

## Tags

triumphovertrauma, hokies

---
Copyright (c) Gondola