Busy Day for Tandem in Cincinnati

Sunday morning was going to be busy, but we didn’t know how busy it would get. We woke to blue skies but by the time we arrived at Warren County Airport the skies were filling with grey clouds.

Today was the third attempt to take Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis on a tandem jump. While classes were being conducted for the tandem students all team members eyes were on the sky. It just didn’t seem like Mother Nature wanted us to jump here in Cincinnati. By the time the classes were complete, it was a 1400 foot ceiling. Not even close to our minimum jump altitude for tandems of 7500 feet. So we waited around for a few hours and just so the Coach Lewis and the other passengers didn’t get bored or go home without a true Army Strong experience, they boarded our Team UV1 Twin Otter and received a short ride with the door open. Many that was their first ride in a small airplane, let alone with the jump door open.

After landing the group was then treated to some lunch and a packing class by SSG Jared Zell. Just when we thought the day was a wash out, the clouds parted and displayed the beautiful blue skies. Cheers could be heard all over as we geared up and headed to the airplane. First up was Coach Lewis and former Bengals player now coach Eric Ball. As they climbed to altitude the skies couldn’t have gotten any better. The two got out of the plane without a hitch and landed gracefully. Coach Lewis was thrilled and little speechless after landing. Eric Ball was ecstatic upon landing, he was clapping and screaming with joy. Both Coach Lewis and Eric Ball said it was worth the 1 month and 2 weather days of waiting.

The rest of the day continued with a fast pace to get in all the passengers in case the clouds decided to close back in. In addition to Coach Lewis, assistant coach Kevin Coyle also was able to finally exit the plane from 13,500 feet. PNC President for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas Kay Geiger and staff members from University of Cincinnati were also able to enjoy the thrill of a tandem jump today.

Our day didn’t end with the last jumper. While on the dropzone the Team was invited to the Anthony Munoz Hall of Fame Experience dinner. So we hurried back to freshen up and get into our Flightsuits for the event. The Team was introduced to the packed dining hall and to our amazement was given a standing ovation. Anthony Munoz couldn’t hold back his secret any longer and told the crowd of his upcoming tandem jump into his Youth football training camp on Tuesday. The mission of the Anthony Munoz Foundation is to engage the Tri-state region to impact area youth mentally, physically and spiritually. Tonight the Foundation raised over $100,000 for area youth college scholarships. Five area high school students were chosen to receive a $20,000 college scholorship check. Each student spoke of the hardships and their accomplishments in academics and to the community. Many Hall of Fame football players like wide receiver Lynn Swann, Gale Sayers, and Kellen Winslow were in the crowd to cheer on the students.

The night was filled with honors and accomplishments by many folks. Anthony Munoz spoke of his mentor and long time friend Mr. Jim Semon. Mr Semon was a high school teacher and coach to Anthony. He inspired and guided so many youth in Ontario, California. Anthony believes Mr Semon was the reason he was able to become a Pro football player. For that reason and his selfless and tiring mentorship, Anthony created the Jim Semon Impact Award. Tonight Mr Semon was on hand to present this years award to Sam Bonasso, a local business owner, mentor in his community and most recently involved in “Feeding Freedom”, travelling to Afghanistan and Turkey to deliver Outback Steahouse food to over 40,000 troops.

After the dinner and fundraisers the Team took photographs with the students who came up to us to thank us for our service. It was a great night for the foundation and the Cincinnati community. Tomorrow the Team jumps into the Bengals training camp and Army Birthday celebration hosted by Coach Marvin Lewis.

Photos:

Coach Eric Ball exits the plane

SSG Jared Zell conducts interviews with local media

SGM Young talks with Coach Lewis before his jump

SSG Zell gives a packing class to the passengers while on a weather hold

Coach Lewis in freefall with SFC Mike Elliot

PNC President Kay Geiger gives the thumbs up

Tandem team at the Anthong Munoz Hall of Fame dinner

Kay Geiger grabs a picture with the Team

Cincinnati Bell CEO Jack Cassidy with the Team

Scholarship winner Andrea Session poses with Lynn Swann, Dave Lapham and the Team

Jim Semon Impact Award winner Sam Bonasso and Mr Jim Semon