The artist chosen to create the statue was Jason Arkles, a sculptor of monuments in marble and bronze.  Jason won the commission after an international search of creative talent.

Photo of Jason Arkles and the Big Guy at left by John Gessener. Copyright 2010.

Funds were solicited from alumni members and sponsors; however, a significant portion of the cost was contributed by alumnus, Jim "Skippy" Cassel and his wife, Rona. Skip's dedication to this project cannot be overestimated. Skip also financed the stone base and pillar, oversaw its design and construction, and managed the addition of the inscriptions. The total project cost in excess of $125,000.

A special patio was constructed in front of Team headquarters. It was designed to showcase the monument and to carry its immense weight.  The base alone weighs 28,000 lbs. The poured concrete had to cure for 30 days.

While the creative plans for the monument were progressing, a furious effort was being mounted to complete a roster. The memories of original Team members were searched. Old log books were studied. Alumni members were sent list after list to verify. Innumerable phone calls and other attempts were made to track potential Teammates. Team records and mementos were scoured.  Old orders were requested.  Old commanders were contacted.  Endless debates were conducted.

The roster was especially important because the names all Team members and those of a few significant others would be inscribed on the base.

The project roster included the Team members as of the inception of the USAPT in 1961, selected STRAC Sport Parachute Team members who participated in the program between 1959-1961, early Team aviators, selected Department of the Army personnel and selected civilians.

The person most instrumental in compiling the roster was George Torrealba. His tireless efforts resulted in the recovery of information about the Golden Knights that is priceless. Expecting to have months yet to complete the search, George was informed in February 2009, that the complete list was needed in 30 days.

By March 2009, the list was almost complete, enough so that a template was cut by the stone crafters on March 6th. The names are arranged by decade and/or category.  In the event that other names needed to be added in the future, Skip purposefully left space after each section.

Skip modeled the design of the inscriptions on that used on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. The font style and size are the same. Each name is inlaid with gold.

On May 9th, Jason Arkles began pouring the statue.  The "pour" was completed in late July, and the statue was ready to be delivered 31 days later.

August 22, 2009
On an overcast, sweltering day in August, the base and statue arrived at Team headquarters in Fort Bragg, NC. Spirits were soaring.  A crowd of active and alumni Team members, family and friends gathered to witness the culmination of years of planning, fundraising and anticipation.  Without mishap, the base and statue came home.

FYI: When laying large stone pillars like the base of the statue, ice packs are laid as a foundation.  The pillar can then be more easily repositioned. As the ice melts, the pillar settles into place.

December 19, 2009
A crowd of alumni, family members and friends gathered for the official dedication of the monument. The tribute obviously meant a great deal to all who attended. So many memories.  So much history. Many family members made rubbings of the names of their loved ones.  The monument will stand as an enduring tribute to the efforts and dedication of so many who have served their country with honor and skill.

Many people contributed to the success of this project: alumni Treasurer Spider Wrenn, alumni President Sonny Hill, Team Commander LTC Tony Dill, Media Relations Director Donna Dixon, and so many more. Apologies to those who were not named. Also, Thank You to all the family members who supported the men and women who worked so hard on this project. Their understanding and encouragement did not go unnoticed. 

Photos by Regina Hudson, except as noted.

Footnote: Before it was fully settled, alumnus, RJ Smith, placed a team coin underneath the massive stone base.