News - Golden Knights Alumni

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At left, Larry Grant with the flag of the Golden Knights displayed at the US Army Corps of Engineers HQ in Kandahar, Afghanistan,
December 25, 2011.

Our Condolences to the Family of
COL Bill Ewald Sr , 91, who passed away on
Christmas morning 2011. COL Ewald had a distinguished military career and was
an early member of the Special Forces.

Tee Taylor

Rona Cassel

Attention New (and existing) Honorary Golden Knights

You can complete a profile in the Roster of the Golden Knights.
Tell us the story of your relationship with the Team.
To register, contact the WebMaster with an email address & preferred password.
You may also make contact through your profile.

News for and about Alumni of the Golden Knights


December 25, 2011	Larry Grants Flies Golden Knights Flag in Afghanistan
	At left, Larry Grant with the flag of the Golden Knights displayed at the US Army Corps of Engineers HQ in Kandahar, Afghanistan, December 25, 2011.

December 2011	Joe Kittinger to Speak at Reunion
	Joe Kittinger, the Balloonmeister, is the keynote speaker at this year's Reunion of the Golden Knights. Kittinger is famed for his high altitude balloon flights, high-altitude free-fall parachuting, breaking the speed of sound without an aircraft, his solo crossing of the Atlantic ocean in a balloon and much more. He has had an extraordinary career both in and out of the military, and his comments promise to be exciting. Don't miss this opportunity to hear one of the true innovators of high-altitude flight and free-fall parachuting. Register for the reunion today. Click to view the registration form. At left, Kittinger making his record-breaking high-altitude jump.

October 2011	Pete White Writes for Tactical-Life.com
	Pete White, currently in Iraq, was asked by Tactical-Life.com to write about a deployed soldier's perspective on Independence Day. To read his moving recollections, click here.

September 2011	New Profiles for the Pioneer Team Members & the Honorary Golden Knights
	The Pioneers of the Golden Knights are members of the STRAC Sport Parachute Team (SPT). The talents and contributions of the STRAC SPT were essential to the eventual formation of the US Army Parachute Team. The Golden Knights alumni website has added a roster for these special team members. Pioneer and Founding Member, Harry Arter, is shown at left top. Honorary Golden Knights can now update roster profiles, as well. We encourage all of them to share their unique and special relationships with the Golden Knights. Survivors of deceased members like those of Chappy Chapman (left bottom) may register. To register, contact the WebMaster with an email address & preferred password. You may also make contact through your profile.

September 11, 2011	You Are Invited!
	The Association of the US Army invites all active & alumni Golden Knights to the 2011 Patriot Day & JumpFest. The festivities are planned for the weekend of September 11th in Riverside, Southern California. To learn more, go to http://www.ausaie.org Jesse Medina, AUSA president, writes: "We would also like to extend this warm welcome and invitation to all our Golden Knights Alumni and our families and friends, military retirees, veteran and their families; we look forward to having them attend the Ball, if geographically possible. I know a lot of you may not be able to make it to the event; this is a commemoration to our GK fallen as well; there will be a special moment honoring our fallen as well. I had my share in my day, Preston, Green, Moon and others, all my bothers and teammates. To many of us the GKAA is a pillar of hope for veterans, although many of you may not know it. Attaining our veteran benefits may sometimes be a little difficult to bear, but finding solutions is where we need to be, this is where AUSA works to support us." Jesse Medina President (US Army Retired-3/325 Abn Regt) Dwight D. Eisenhower Chapter, The Inland Empire (AUSAIEDDE) WWW.AUSAIE.ORG Association of the United States Army (AUSA) - WWW.AUSA.ORG "America's Army: The Strength of the Nation” ™ Supporting All Military Unit Family Readiness Group's (FRG's) across the globe... 3380 La Sierra Ave Suite 104-411 Riverside Ca, 92503 1.714.273.6995

Summer 2011	Who Am I?
	We have some Team Mates whose names we can't match with some photos. Take a look and help us if you can. Click here to go to "Who Am I?"

May 28, 2011	Sean Tucker Made Honorary Golden Knight
	Sean D Tucker, pilot and aerobatics expert, was made an Honorary Golden Knight during a ceremony at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island, NY, after an Air Show at Jones Beach. Sean is a long time friend and supporter.

04-2011	Don Jenkin's Spring Bash
	When: April 15-17, 2011 Celebrating: Spider's 80th Birthday, Spring Break 2011, End of Tax Season, Do We Need a Reason... Where: Don Jenkin's House in Ocala, Florida Who: The entire Golden Knight Family including anyone who has ever been a Golden Knight, assigned or honorary and the better halves of Golden Knights who have moved on to the big DZ up yonder. Cost: One covered dish to complement a roasted pig AND at least one photo/video featuring GK activity. Planning Committee: Don Jenkins, Steve Salisbury and Allen Dillon Plans as of 12-2010: Friday, 5p - Until: Spider's Birthday Party. Includes refreshments and dinner buffet. Spider says no gifts. Anyone interested in a poker table? Saturday, 10a-2p: Golf for anyone interested or non-golfers can sleep in, swim, play horse shoes, etc. 10a - Help is needed getting the pig ready for roasting. 12n-2p: Buffet lunch and refreshments 6p-7p: Dinner [followed by poker, cigars, whatever] Sunday, 10a-2p: Brunch followed by departures Arrangements: There are drivers/vehicles to shuttle folks from hotels/motor home parks. Info about hotels and other accommodations will be provided later. Contact Don Jenkins to offer help, suggestions or to RSVP.

01-2011	The Making of an Honorary Golden Knight
	Read a tribute to Laurie "Truck" Sams written after his knighting in 2009. Click here.

News for and about Active Team Members

Summer-2011

The Ladies Rule and the Gents Find the Way - 8-Way That Is

July 2011 - Brazil - 36th World Military Parachuting Championships - The ladies won Gold in Formation Skydiving. This is the first year that this particular group has competed together. The ladies also won Silver in Team Classic Accuracy, edging out Kazakhstan by one centimeter. Their combined points earned them the Overall Gold.

August 2011 - Saarlouis, Germany - The Men's 8-Way Team took Gold at the 2011 World Parchuting Cup.

Congratulations, Golden Knights!

01-2011

Congratulations 2010 Honorees

Golden Knight of the Year	SFC Brian Krause
Aviator of the Year	CW5 Dan Mordarski
Civilian of the Year	Terri Wilde
Photographer of the Year	SSG Aaron Figel

Honorary Golden Knights

SSG Chris Falkel [posthumous - KIA Afghanistan 2005]

Randy Hoffman

John McRae

Jeff Berry

CPT Scott Festa

Our Sincerest Condolences to the Family and Friends of the Following:


12-25-2011	William "Bill" Ewald, Sr
	Our Condolences to the Family of COL Bill Ewald Sr , 91, who passed away on Christmas morning 2011. COL Ewald had a distinguished military career and was an early member of the Special Forces.

July 31, 2011	William "Buzz" Harrell
	Buzz Harrell, our team mate since the 1970s, died in Raleigh, NC, of a brain aneurism. Service's are scheduled for 7:00p on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at The Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2920 NC HWY 42 W Clayton, NC 27520 Please do not send flowers If you'd like to make a donation, please send one in Buzz' name to his church.

June 3, 2011	Jack C Helms
	Jack C Helms, pioneer member of the Golden Knights, died June 3, 2011 In NC, after a long battle with lymphoma. Jack was a founding member of the STRAC Sport Parachute Team from 1959-1961. He was also a Team member from 1964-1966. Jack had a distinguished military career, then retired to teach ROTC for another 21 years. Jack was talented, dedicated, supportive, and well-liked by all. Please read more about this extraordinary man in his profile. Visitation: 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, June 6, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel 108 E. Kinderton Way Advance, NC, 27006 (map/driving directions) Service: 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel 108 E. Kinderton Way Advance, NC, 27006 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Carolina Memorial Park 601 Mt. Oliver Rd. Kannapolis, NC, 28081 (map/driving directions) Memorials: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com

03-18-2011	Sheri Renee Bourquin
	Sheri, daughter of Jerry Bourquin, passed away of an apparent heart attack on 3-18-2011 at her home in Arkansas

Goods & Services for Alumni, Military Personnel & Others


December 2011	Reunion Activities
	PK Airpark is offering drastically-reduced rates for tandem jumps for those attending the reunion. Paraclete SkyVenture is offering free time in the wind tunnel on the weekend of the Reunion. See Reunion News for all the details.

Ongoing	Golden Knights Flags
	To Order a Golden Knights Commemorative Flag Contact Tina at lildelro@aol.com or call 910-261-2077 The cost is $98.00 + shipping. Bob McDErmott Proudly displays his at left.

02-2011	Jump into History
	February 24th - 26, 2011 - Dunnellon Airport (X35) The National Parachute Test Center (NPTC) is offering skydivers the opportunity to jump from the legendary C-47 Tico Belle aircraft. For more information and pricing, contact NPTC at 352-489-4898 or email CONPTC@aol.com

01-2011	Military Appreciation Day at Hooters
	Hooters Restaurant is offering all active-duty and retired military personnel a free entree. Bring your military ID to take advantage of this offer.

Ongoing	Memorial & Commemorative Stone Work with GK Designs
	New Future Granite provided the stone base for the Memorial statue that rests in front of the Team headquarters. As part of their commitment to the Golden Knights, Byron and Betty Walters at New Future have established a database of designs that can be etched in the stone of your choice. The designs include the Auls Head (Team Crest), Pocket Patch, skill badges and more. New Future Granite Company 1063 Old Middleton Road Elberton, GA 30635-4571 706-283-8963 [w] 803-645-0054 [c] newfuturegranite@bellsouth.net Elberton, GA is arguably the "Granite Capital" of the US. New Future Granite provides stone work for locations all over the states. Lee Smith, who recently placed an order with them, says that after extensive research, he believes New Future Granite definitely offers the best price and quality.

Ongoing	Discount to Military
	Lowes Home Improvement Centers offer a 10% discount to military personnel. Your Golden Knight ID card will also get you this discount.

Ongoing	Want a Black TEAM Jacket?
	Order a Black Team Jacket directly from: JEB Designs, ATTN: Greg Edge, PO Box 65149, Fayetteville, NC 28306, 910 423-7676. printem@aol.com The cost is $140.00 + SH and includes the team embroidery on the back and personalized embroidery on the front. The jackets are shipped directly to you. Patches are not included. Order patches from the Golden Knights Store. Contact Bobby "Spider" Wrenn for information about where to place the patches.

News about this Web Site and Other Web Resources


Summer 2011	The Pioneers & The Honorary Golden Knights
	The Pioneers is an addition to the Roster. It recognizes those people who served on the STRAC Sport Parachute Team and/or the US Army Sport Parachute during the 1959-1961 period just before the inception the US Army Parachute Team, the USAPT. These individuals were especially instrumental in the recognition by the Army that free fall parachuting was a valuable public relations, competition and tactical resource. Click here to learn more about the Pioneers. The Honorary Golden Knights (HGK) have been upgraded to display profiles. HGK may now register to add information about their experiences with the Golden Knights. Click here to see the updated Honorary Golden Knights feature. Please share information and photos about the Pioneers and/or the HGK. Please contact them and ask them to participate in our mission to gather historical information.

Summer 2011	Who Am I?
	We have some Team Mates whose names we can't match with some photos. Take a look and help us if you can. Click here to go to "Who Am I?"

Spring 2011	Lots of News Photos
	More than 300 images were added to each of the Team Albums for 1959-1969 and 1970-1979. And a new collection of about 400 images was added for 1980-1989. Go to the Team Album.

Ongoing	Updating the Website with Your Photos and Information We welcome your contributions and thank those who have already shared their mementos and memories. We have collected a wealth of new material. It has taken 50 years to create this history. It won't take that long to update the website, but it will take a significant effort. Please be patient. Keep checking the site over the next months and see what's new. And keep sending in your material.