Golden Knight Returns to Podium After Deployment

On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far in Georgia,
the competition was even hotter at “Skydive the Farm” located in
Rockmart, Georgia which was home to the 5th and final meet of the 2010
season for the Florida Canopy Piloting Association (FLCPA). 10 amateurs
and 18 Pro’s competed side-by-side, utilizing a handicapped scoring
system, to give the amateurs an opportunity and a small advantage when
competing with the Professional canopy pilots, also known as “swoopers.”

A total of 28 competitors showed up to compete for awards and prize
money in the 3 event competition consisting of Speed, Distance and
Accuracy. U.S. Army Soldier and Golden Knight, SFC Greg Windmiller, won
top honors outscoring 27 other competitors as the overall meet champion.
Not surprising, given Greg is the current U.S. National Champion in
Canopy Piloting speed and world record holder. SFC Windmiller had
impressive finishes this year with a win and 2 third place finishes, but
missed 2 meets due to being deployed to Iraq in support of OIF for 4
months during the season.

The top 9 competitors all had impressive scoring runs which made scoring
every round not enough. “The key to winning this meet wasn’t to just get
a scoring run and be consistent, as it has been in the past. You had to
score and score well every round. With the competition so fierce and the
experience level so high, taking top honors is getting more and more
difficult” said Windmiller. The FLCPA conducts 5 meets throughout the year and uses a points system and the results to determine the overall league champion for the year.

Last year, SFC Windmiller won top honors with a twist, as he tied with
fellow competitor Curt Bartholomew. Since the organizers never expected
a tie, only one championship trophy was made. Windmiller allowed
Bartholomew to receive the trophy. As an unexpected surprise at the
final meet of the year, prior to announcing awards, event organizer and
meet director Albert Berchtold presented Windmiller with a trophy which
mirrored the one he handed over to Bartholomew the previous year.
Windmiller also donated the prize money won to the Wounded Warrior
Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) which supports and provides
assistance to service members who have been severely injured in combat.
“It’s an absolute pleasure and a proud feeling for me to be able to give
back and do my part to honor our fellow Brothers and Sisters who have
made incredible sacrifices defending this great country” commented
Windmiller.

PHOTOS:
#1 Skimming just above the water during a distance run
#2 SFC Windmiller collects points as he drags a foot past the water
gates #3 Going for maximum distance