Wounded Warrior in the Air Again

SFC Elliott flies Chad over the city of Chicago

Wounded Warrior Chad Watson took to the sky like a soaring eagle circling high over his family below. SFC Michael Elliott took Chad out for his first jump after losing his leg below the knee while serving in Iraq. Chad had made five jumps prior to his departure to Iraq serving his country.

Chad’s wife, six month old daughter Shelley, mother, father and mother and father-in-law all arrived early in anticipation of Chad’s return flight to the sky.

Chads wife brings him out his GK leg

Chad’s wife excitedly waited in the center of the field holding his leg which now dons the US Army Parachute Team’s, red, white and blue pocket patch, which was designed with the help of Jerry Borquin more than fifty years ago. 

Chad happily lands in front of his family

Chad said, “I enjoyed this so much, it was totally awesome, thank you so much for letting me do this.” Following his jump his wife gave him his leg which he put on and joined his family for the rest of the performances.

SSG Watts dead center landing

It is a really small world though we don’t really realize it. Much to my surprise, while talking with Chad’s father, he told me that his brother and one of our very own Golden Knights had jumped together years ago. SSG Jared Zell who was the photographer for Chad’s was a childhood friend from over twenty years ago.