High winds but a great #ArmyStrong day at Lakehurst tandem camp

Day 3 hasn't gone as well as our last few days. Mother nature decided to send the winds our way. But that didn't stop the Mid-Atlantic Recruiting BN from putting on a great day. SGT Jared Zell started off the day jumping in the American Flag while the Toms River High School South Band, lead by band Director Ms. Jill Lovinfosse, played the National Anthem. The band was excellent as SGT Zell landed on the last note of the Anthem.  Junior ROTC cadets from Ben Franklin High School travelled all the way from Philedelphia to watch the Tandem Team. Because of the high winds we were unable to jump any tandem passengers, however we did get one lift off for the band and cadets. After the jump, Team members sat and talked to the students about the Golden Knights and the US Army.

 

Just when we thought our day was done, the winds calmed enough for the Tandem team to make a test jump. So we geared the Tandem passengers up and put the first load in the plane. Unfortunately, the passengers just got a short ride in the plane as the winds picked back up.

 

Tomorrow is the final day here at Naval Air and Engineering Station Lakehurst. The weather is looking good for tomorrow. Will have a lot of tandems and few surprises.

 

Photos:

 

Golden Knight wind blade and Army Strong setup

 

One of the Hummvees with a awesome stereo system

 

Toms River High School South Band prepares to perform

 

The crowd awaits SGT Zell's exit

 

We even had a military working dog keeping us secure

 

The crowd watches as the remainder of the jumpers come in for a landing

 

Tandem Team talks to the band and JROTC

 

SSG Jon Ewald shows a student the parachute system

 

Tandem passengers get a tour of our UV-18 Twin Otter aircraft

 

Passengers get inside the plane and a brief by Pilot CW5 Glenn Beck

 

SGT Jared Zell lands with the American Flag