Golden Knights drop in on the American Legion World Series

By Loretta Cozart

On Saturday, August 12, The United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team greeted guests at Shelby Airport from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Team members arrived promptly at 9 a.m., as posters, booklets, and stickers were placed on the table, and people poured in to meet these soldiers and get their autographs.

Three 1950s vintage airplanes were on display, and guests took the opportunity to take photographs. Most planes were flown from the 1950s until the mid-1980s.

The Blaze Battalion JROTC Rifle Team from Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, wiped down the vintage planes preparing them for flight.

Later in the morning, Blaze Senior Army Instructor Retired Colonel Jeffrey L. Gaylord accompanied the pilot on a flight around the airport, making various maneuvers and keeping the crowd entertained.

Amid the meet and greet, flights continued into the airport periodically, and Carl Murphy kept a close eye on the sky and an ear on flight traffic chatter near the airport.

Two representatives from Kings Mountain, Herald reporter Loretta Cozart and Sarah Lee Owensby Wagman of 96.9 The Kat, were invited to fly with the Golden Knights Parachute Team for their show during the American Legion World Series in Shelby at 6 p.m.

Both representatives were briefed on flight safety and given ear protection, as the door to the plane would remain open throughout the flight. On the ground, air temperatures were in the 90s, but at 12,000 feet, the temperatures could be as low as 35 degrees.

Team members suited up and put on their parachutes. Everyone boarded the plane, ready to go. Excitement was in the air, and it could be felt by everyone aboard.

When the plane reached 6,000 feet, time was spent choosing the point at which team members would jump from the plane. Next, the aircraft ascended to 12,000 feet, but it was too cloudy to see, so the pilot returned to 6,000 feet for the jump. The first team was to do a Do Si Do maneuver in which they locked arms and spun as they descended. To exit the aircraft properly, the two team members stood side-byside, facing the front of the plane, and jumped left and sideways through the doorway. With a whoosh, they were immediately sucked backward and out of sight of those in the plane.

The four remaining Golden Knights amassed at the door awaiting their jump. Lights to the side of the doorway indicated the time to jump. As they waited, the anticipation could be seen as each team member flexed in anticipation, preparing to leap from the plane. When the light flashed green, one by one, in quick succession, they leaped head-first from the doorway and into the blue Cleveland County sky.

The skill and precision of the Army Golden Knights as they prepared for and executed their mission during the American Legion World Series was far more exacting than one might imagine. They made the job look easy, but years of training and experience make this second nature to those who are Golden Knights.

However, it is their professionalism and welcoming personalities that make them excellent ambassadors for the United States Army in America and abroad.

See KNIGHTS, Page 5A

Knights

From Page 4A

The Golden Knights have performed over 20,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries. The United States Army Parachute Team conducts worldwide demonstrations, competitions, and a tandem orientation program to connect the U.S. Army with the American public and enhance the Army’s Accession and Marketing mission, while also providing technical expertise in support of military free-fall programs.