Football Hall of Famer takes a leap #NFL #Bengals #ArmyStrong

by Golden Knights on June 16, 2010 · 1 comment

in Tandem Team

It was the final day here in Cincinnati and like the past 4 days it started off with low cloud coverage. Today we had the honor to introduce skydiving to a football Hall of Famer, Anthony Munoz. The Team met Anthony last month after the jump into Cincinnati Reds game. Anthony discussed his foundation and the annual Hall of Fame Football Academy, a 4 day training camp for youngsters to receive individual instruction, 7 on 7 competitions, running and tackling techniques and other fundamentals of football and life. 
 
After all the arrangements were made, we decided to jump into the opening of the Hall of Fame football academy. So with all the youngsters present and after the cloud layer had cleared, SSG Zell exited our Twin Otter to jump in the American flag for the opening ceremony and National Anthem.  The kids were so excited the began to run out to SSG Zell after he landed. But with a quick announcement of the speaker system that there was more to watch, the kids settled in for the rest of the demonstration.
 
Luckily the clouds parted, and Anthony Munoz, along with SSG Jones and SFC Elliott by his side with smoke, could be seen in the air. The kids began to chant "Anthony, Anthony, Anthony". They were so loud that when Anthony landed he spoke of the crowd chanting his name. Anthony waived to the crowd once on final for landing and the kids went crazy. Since Anthony was so tall, SSG Ewald elected to slide him in for a great landing. Note the pictures to see the size differences.
 
After a few group photos and talking to the kids, the Team quickly packed up and had to head to the airport to take off for Fort Bragg. It was a great way to end a successful and very eventful few days in Cincinnati.
 
Photos:
 
Anthony Munoz in freefall with instructor SSG Jon Ewald
 
Anthony comes in for a landing
 
Anthony receives his tandem certificate and litho
 
Anthony talks to the kids about his jump and thanks the US Army for the continued service to the our great country.