For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: July 2, 2018
Golden Knights entertain Southwest Tech crowd
Fennimore -
The sun was shining brightly as hundreds of people gathered at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, Wisconsin on July 2. The crowd was there to see the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and honor all military personnel, past and present. “It was a great day to see so many smiling faces and offer our community a chance to get together to honor our military service men and women,” said Katie Glass, marketing manager and chief information officer at Southwest Tech. “The Golden Knights put on a terrific show. This couldn’t have been possible without all the volunteer support from the college personnel, the assistance from the city and all of the emergency service agencies.”
As part of the day’s activities, Bob Griffith, a U.S. Army veteran, from Fennimore, was honored for his service. He was presented with a special Golden Knights baton that was used in the day’s jump.
Bob, and his wife Helen, have lived and farmed just south of Fennimore for more than 50 years. He served in the Korean War as a medic between July 1953 and June 1955. His rank was corporal at the time he received his honorable discharge in 1955.
Following the jump on the west side of campus, an Iowa National Guard Chinook helicopter landed as well. Children were able to meet members of the Golden Knights, practice packing their parachutes and get autographs from their Army heroes. There was also face painting, free miniature flags and sunglasses, as well as other activities for the attendees. The Friends of Fennimore Elementary provided a food stand. All veterans and active military personnel received a water bottle and free lunch.
The Golden Knights’ roots can be traced to 1959 when 19 Airborne Soldiers from various military units formed the Strategic Army Command Parachute Team. At the time, its intent was to compete in the new sport of skydiving. In 1962, the team earned the nickname the “Golden Knights.” “Golden” referred to the gold medals the team won in competition, while “Knights” referred to the team’s ambition to conquer the skies. Throughout the years, the team has conducted more than 16,000 shows in 50 states and 48 countries.