Our "winged infantry" was born on August 2, 1930. On this day, during training exercises, 12 paratroopers made the first parachute jump in Soviet history. The successful maneuvers of the soldiers marked the beginning of a new type of armed forces. "None but Us" is the motto of Russian paratroopers. These words were first spoken by the commander of the parachute service of the Western Front, Captain Ivan Starchak, during a battle with the Nazis near Vyazma in 1942. From 1954 to 1979 (with a three-year break), the position of commander of the Airborne Forces was held by Vasily Filippovich Margelov, who was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Paratroopers owe much of their fame and the popular name "Uncle Vasya's Troops" to him. Today, the number of the Russian Airborne Forces is about 45,000 servicemen. They fulfill their duty in various regions of the country and the world, including the special military operation zone. "Today, the patriotic traditions of veterans, loyalty to the oath, and combat brotherhood serve as a worthy example for the current generation of paratroopers, helping to solve responsible tasks during the special military operation," Vladimir Putin said in his congratulatory message to the paratroopers. The President wished the paratroopers success for the benefit of the Motherland and expressed confidence that the personnel and veterans of the Airborne Forces will reliably defend Russia's independence and sovereignty, as well as ensure its defense capability and national security.