I’ve always wanted to jump from a plane, fall like a rock, then gently touch down under canopy. To skydive. At age 55 I began to dismiss the possibility as fantasy, about something I might have done in younger years. A former Afghanistan Special Forces Commander offered a tandem jump with the Army’s Golden Knights from my request as a photojournalist. Two months later I made the drive to Fort Bragg, home for these world famous Army skydivers. There, I was taken to high altitude in an Army jump plane, and we made two tandem jumps, one each day. It was about 3 minutes per jump altogether, and it was the most exhilarating experience of my life. You may remember a couple years ago when Senior President Bush did this. Same outfit.
The Knights are the best in the business. They own every skydiving trophy, both military and civilian, from around the world, and have for 20 years. Second place competitors are not even close. Equally impressive, they are well trained fighting soldiers. I was allowed into this elite world briefly, and photographed them at work for a couple of days. If you are a Knight coming here to look at these images, thank you. It was a privilege to be in your company.
All air-to-air shots were taken by Johnny and David. Michael was my tandem master, and Shea was chaperone for the many non-jumping flights. I hope to return one day and finish this photo essay. They’ve said it would be okay. Through it all, my regard for the U.S. Army has gone up a notch. I don’t wish to jump again though. I prefer to leave that slot open for distinguished military personnel who are nominated for this honor by their commanders.
