Tandem Jumps With Golden Knights An Incredible Experience

May 02, 2007

Bowling Green, Ky. - David Elson has raised his arms to signal a touchdown many times in his four seasons as Western Kentucky University’s football coach, but it’s safe to say none have been as exhilarating as the touchdown Elson made Tuesday morning at Fort Knox.

“Incredible! You talk about an adrenaline rush. I’ve never experienced anything close that,” Elson said after making a tandem skydiving jump with a member of the United States Army Parachute Team.

Elson along with WKU President Gary Ransdell and development officer Amanda Lich were among a group participating in tandem jumps Tuesday with the Golden Knights.

The WKU representatives carried red towels as they made their descent from 13,000 feet above the U.S. Army base.

“That was incredible,” Lich said after landing in front of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command headquarters. “It was beautiful. You could see so far.”

Dr. Ransdell used words like “exhilarating,” “fantastic,” “incredible” and “very cool” to describe the skydiving trip that included a freefall at 120 mph. “The falling, the wind, you want this to last forever,” he said.

“Go on and put me down for next year,” Dr. Ransdell told Lt. Col. Mark Powell of WKU’s ROTC program, which invited two groups from WKU to participate in tandem jumps Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I am going to challenge our vice presidents to do this,” Dr. Ransdell said, adding that the experience would be valuable for anyone in a leadership role. “There’s value in making the decision and being focused. When you leave the edge of that plane, you’re focused on the task at hand.”

Focus was important as the participants in Tuesday’s tandem jumps received instructions and pre-flight training from Sgt. 1st Class Billy VanSoelen, the Golden Knights’ tandem team leader. He encouraged them to relax and have fun but to remember “you’re not just along for the ride” because the tandem jumpers fly as a team.

Dr. Ransdell, Elson and Lich were anxious and excited as they put on jumpsuits, helmets, goggles, gloves and other equipment before leaving Godman Army Airfield.

“This is my 30th birthday present to myself,” said Lich, who is the development officer for WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences which houses the Department of Military Science. “I’m so excited.”

Elson also was excited to participate because of the ROTC program’s support of the WKU football team. “Colonel Powell and our ROTC program have been great to WKU football, so anytime I get a chance to spend time with our military and also help them promote what they are doing is an honor.”

Skydiving also parallels with WKU football’s jump to Division IA, Elson said. “This is a symbol that we’re out there and willing to take some risks,” he said.

Tuesday’s tandem jumps were part of three days activities scheduled at Fort Knox by the Golden Knights.

“This is an opportunity to share the Army with all of you,” Lt. Col. Anthony Dill, commander of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, told the group. “It’s a great honor to have you all here today.”      

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For information, contact Military Science at (270) 745-4293.