Tandem Team returns to N.Carolina takes 7th Signal Commander for jump #ArmyStrong

The Tandem Team returned home after a great Tandem Camp in Cincinnati on Sunday. Yesterday, the Tandem Team set up shop back in Laurinburg, NC, prepping for a day with the 7th Signal Command. The 7th Signal Command is a continental U.S. Command with a mission to protect, defend, and unify the Army’s communications network in the United States.

Today the commanding General of the 7th signal Command, Ft. Gordon GA, and several of her staff members, made the trip to our training site. This morning brought mist and overcast clouds at 500ft. The gloomy weather was not cooperating with us. We needed at least 7500 ft to show the General what the Tandem Team can do 2 1/2 miles above the ground. SFC Mike Elliott gave the tandem briefing just incase the weather would clear for us. After several hours of waiting around and a few classes on parachute maintenance and free fall photography blue skies started to peek out through the clouds. By the time Team Six was able to launch the UV-18 Twin Otter and make the short trip to Laurinburg, the sun was shinning, the students were geared up, and everyone was ready jump. BG Jennifer Napper was on the first load of the day and then watched all of the tandem passengers come safely back down. The day turned out to be a great day for Tandem Team, the Golden Knights and the 7th Signal Command. As the day wrapped everyone received there first jump certificates, their DVD’s and left with there eyes drawn skyward.

Photos:

BG Napper, CSM Clark, CSM Williams pose with command colors

BG Napper in freefall with SFC Elliott

CSM Clark exits with SSG Jon Ewald and SGM Young dives out after

CPT Fox and SSG Joe Joenes dives out of the otter

COL Laiggie comes in for a smooth landing with SFC Elliott

BG Napper is presented with a team lithograph after her jump