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SAN ANTONIO — One-hundred seventy-eight feet in the air, a Soldier looks down from the rafters of the Alamodome to see shapes that look more like ants than people. With nothing but a harness and rope to support him, the Soldier leans back, prepared to jump. The stadium is packed with people. They’re all cheering so loudly that the rafters begin to shake. After releasing the excess rope, the Soldier begins to repel like he's done countless times before. Only this time, he’s doing it in front of thousands of screaming fans.
Staff Sgt. David Punch, an air assault instructor assigned to the CSM Basil L. Plumley Air Assault School on Fort Hood, had the honor of repelling from the rafters of the Alamodome during the Army West Point Black Knights and University of Texas, San Antonio Roadrunners football game on Saturday, Sept. 14th.
"To be able to repel in front of civilians is a real treat," said Punch. "Most of them have never seen anything like this, so to show all of those people one unique side of the Army is an amazing experience."
Punch has done this jump once before at the Alamodome, but this time is special because his family will be cheering him on from the sidelines.
Punch’s family and friends are very supportive of him. Watching from the field below during Punch’s repel demonstration were Punch’s two children, 12-year-old Derrick Punch & 6-year-old David Punch Jr., and his girlfriend Fara Garito.
“When he's in the rafters, I feel excited for [Punch] because he truly loves what he’s doing,” said Garito.
Originally from Worcester, Mass., Punch has been in the Army for 10 years. For the last two years, he has taught Soldiers how to repel out of helicopters.
"To be able to repel at the game is an opportunity to demonstrate what Air Assault Soldiers do," said Punch.
Punch is an avid thrill-seeker. When he's not rappelling from helicopters, you can find Punch training in martial arts at StrKings Gym in Copperas Cove, where he is a former Texas Middleweight Amateur State Champion.
Punch’s oldest son David Punch Jr. trains at StrKings Gym with his father.
“[David Jr.’s] going to be the next state champ,” said Punch with an heir of confidence.
“It’s awesome to watch dad repel,” said David Jr. “It’s not very often that we get to see what he does, so moments like this are really special.”
As the pre-game festivities begin, Punch and the other Air Assault Soldiers get to watch from the best seats in the house; Nearly 200 feet in the air directly above the 50-yard line.
After the demonstration is over, Punch joins Garito and his children on the sideline. They grab food from the concession and manage to find their seats amidst a sea of hysterical fans. Punch is able to enjoy the rest of the game with his family, friends and fellow football fanatics.
When all was said and done, the Black Knights defeated the Roadrunners 31-13.
Much like the Black Knights did that day, Punch left the game feeling like a winner, said Punch.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2019 16:53 |
| Story ID: | 344763 |
| Location: | TX, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Army Takes The Alamodome, by SGT Richard Barnes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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