Golden Knights “Knight” the 2010 Assessment and Selection Grauduates

USAPT Cadre and Graduating Class 0f 2010

This was a very special day to the US Army Parachute Team. Today current members of the Team, alumni, family and friends gathered to celebrate the completion of their annual Assessment and Selection Program. Former Golden Knight Darrin Grim narrated for the event stating that, “Knighting ceremonies dates back to medieval times, when a squire had proven his worth over several years and the king saw it fit, that the squire would be knighted.” The king would raise the sword before him and touch each shoulder and the squire had the distinct honor of becoming a knight ready to take his place among his peers.

LTC Martin "knights" SSG Adrian Hill and SGM Young presents him a team coin

Today our newly “Knighted” candidates jumped into Raeford drop zone. They have been preparing for this day for over 8 weeks and today was the grand finale. They did a lineup in front of their audience and the Commander, LTC Joe Martin knighted each of them as they knelt before him. SGM Stephen Young congratulated each gallant new knight and presented them with the team coin, which they will carry with them forever…..

Excitement builds within the crowd of well wishers as the team performs a bomburst manuever

Check back with us tomorrow as the story continues…..