What is Five Papa?

Founded, owned, and operated by a second-generation paratrooper and Jumpmaster.

Mission: To offer the Airborne community a unique experience to showcase Paratrooper pride by introducing the first ever Paratrooper Das Boot! AKA bierstiefel.

Purpose: Honor the Airborne heritage and Paratroopers from every generation and branch of service!  

The Name: Five Papa symbolizes the Five jump requirement to earn the coveted parachutist badge. Papa is the phonetic alphabet expression for the letter “P” and “P” signifying Paratrooper.

In 1941, LTG William P. Yarborough designed the original jump boot, this remains an iconic symbol of Paratroopers that represents the valor and dedication of those who wear it.

I began on a journey of finding a glass manufacturer who had the capabilities to make and mass produce a US jump boot drinking glass. We put a man on the moon so it should be a piece of cake right! Well after over two dozen rejections to accept the project due to “the complexity” of the design and “associated expenses” I nearly gave up completely. 

Then I reminded myself of the Warrior Ethos and “NEVER QUIT” is one of them! Despite all the rejections and doubt I kept pressing. As a last-ditch effort attempt, I reached out to one more company. The tenacity paid off as it always has for Paratroopers and here you have it, the world’s first Paratrooper Das Boot!    

This patent-pending Paratrooper Das Boot is in homage to all those Paratroopers who served before us fostering the rich culture, traditions, and camaraderie that continues to define the Airborne community. Additionally, this honors all those Paratroopers from every generation who pulled their final slip into heaven. We toast and raise a boot in their honor!