Chastain gets ‘Knighted’

Photo By Master Sgt. Laura Claypool | Seconds after exiting the aircraft, Amanda Chastain, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Figel, U.S. Army Parachute Team assistant tandem team leader, begin the free-fall portion of their jump to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. For more than 53 years, the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, have performed precision free fall demonstrations to connect the U.S. Army with civilians.  

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, UNITED STATES

09.29.2012

Story by Senior Airman Laura Claypool 

22nd Air Refueling Wing

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - Amanda Chastain joined the black and gold U.S. Army Parachute Team, “The Golden Knights,” as they “dropped in” for the Wings over McConnell Open House and Air Show.

A banner year for Chastain, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, she was selected as the 2012 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year award winner.

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “The whole thing was surreal, and I can’t believe I did that.”

The Golden Knights is the U.S. Army’s official aerial demonstration team. The team travels around the country performing parachute demonstrations at air shows, major league football and baseball games and special events, connecting the Army with the American people.

Chastain was able to participate as part of the Army’s Tandem Orientation program, which helps to create a public understanding of the training and professionalism of soldiers, as well as bringing the American public closer to the sport of parachuting.

Chastain is considered as a “center of influence” for the Department of Defense, not just the Air Force. A COI has broad outreach capabilities and can help share the Army’s message to community members, said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard Sloan, USAPT Gold Demonstration Team member.

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Aaron Figel, U.S. Army Parachute Team assistant tandem team leader, was Chastain’s tandem jump instructor.

Thinking the jump would be scary, Chastain was put to ease by how easy going the team members were throughout the day, she said.

The thoughts in her mind as she was getting ready to exit the plane: "I can’t believe this is me and that I’m doing this. It was so surreal."

Following Chastain’s tandem exit from the Fokker C-31A Friendship, the parachute team performed their “mass show” from an altitude of 12,500 feet where they maneuvered together to form one large mass formation.

“I was expecting it to get that flipped-stomach feel that you get on a roller coaster,” said Chastain, “but I didn’t feel that at all. When you jump out, it’s actually quite slow, just tons of wind. Once the parachute went up, then we were just gliding. It was so much more quite, you could talk and hear things.

Chastain was greeted by her family upon landing in the grassy area surrounding the flightline.

"We're very proud of Amanda for the fearlessness she shows,” said Daniel Taylor, Chastain’s father. “Not just by jumping out of an airplane this weekend, although even the Army Golden Knights told us how impressed they were with how she well she did saying she showed no fear. She continues to amaze us every day by taking on the challenges that military life presents with strength and grace. We are so very proud of her."

When asked if she would ever skydive again, Chastain replied, “With the Golden Knights? Yes. Hands down. In a moment, I would do it. With them, I have full confidence.”

• Date Taken: 09.29.2012
• Date Posted: 10.25.2012 02:05
• Story ID: 96723
• Location: MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS, US