Breathtaking Panoramic View

The US Army Parachute Teams, Gold Demonstration team captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the shores of Lake Michigan for the final day of the Chicago Air and Water Show. The dramatic show front performance was not that of the normal improvisational theater scene in the city.

The team conducted two spectacular performances which consisted of several maneuvers. Individual team members jumped in flags, while others performed a     dramatic bomb burst maneuver with trails of red smoke furling through the blue sky.

Each of the performances was closed with tandem parachute jumps with influential citizens from the Chicago area. For the morning show well known WLS Radio and FOX Television host Roe Conn daringly took to the skies.

Roe’s wife Barbara, daughter Corey and close friends came out to support and observe this great feat. Barbara said, “We have traveled to Colorado and Aspen and did some hiking and Roe did not care for it at all, but was extremely excited about jumping with the world’s best, the Golden Knights.”

The beautiful red headed Mary Frances Bragiel, WBBM Newsradio 780, (Chicago Bears Radio Network) shared the sky with Roe on this beautiful sunny Sunday. Mary was elated and immediately went live on air to broadcast the details of her newest quest.

The afternoon Golden Knight performance closed with a tandem jump with Lourdes Duarte, a WGN Television Anchor that was equally excited as all of her predecessors who had joined the ranks of skydiving with the Knights. Lourdes said, “It was breathtaking and she now was definitely Army Strong.”

The team ended the show with a very special presentation. Devin Karvaras a three year old was a guest of Shell for the “Make a Wish Foundation.” He was presented a baton that was flown over the great city of Chicago.

SFC JD Berentis, Gold Team Leader greeted Devin, his dad Mario and brother Dimitrios and escorted them out to meet the team.

SGT Jennifer Schaben presented Devin with the baton. He took the baton in his little hands and slowly walked down the line to greet each of the Golden Knights, all the while looking up to what must have seemed to be gentle giants to the little tike.

Devin loves WWE Wrestling, Thomas the Train, boats, planes and cars. This brave little man will be starting preschool in a couple of weeks even though he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for leukemia.

Devin, all of our thoughts and prayers will be with you on your brave journey.  And everyone out there please remember always how blessed we all are each and every day. Be grateful and don’t take for granted the health of our precious children and loved ones.