U.S. Army Parachute Team to Graduate first Wounded Warrior; largest number of female candidates in Assessment & Selection

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

10.31.2008

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights

By the U.S. Army Parachute Team

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights will be graduating this year's class of 2008 Assessment and Selection candidates. The selection process started with 20 candidates vying for the prestigious honor of wearing the black and gold uniform. Twelve have made the final cut...including, for the first time in the history of the team, a wounded warrior selectee. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Metzdorf is an above the knee amputee and has endured the physical wear that each of his fellow candidates endured. Each have proven their ability to withstand the assessment and selection process and will be presented during a special demonstration and Knighting Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at 10 a.m.

Another "first" among this year's class is the largest group of female candidates. Seven were among those trying out, and five will be among those graduating. This year's class are made up of active duty Soldiers who have served in support of the war on terror and will now be able to stand amongst their Golden Knight peers representing all Soldiers who are fighting the war on terror across the globe.

Media interested in covering this event should contact the Golden Knights Media Relations Office at 910.396.7423 The event will begin promptly at 10a.m.

The event will take place at the Golden Knight drop zone in Laurinburg.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2008
• Date Posted: 10.29.2008 14:51
• Story ID: 25694
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US