CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Army Golden Knights wrapped up their Middle Tennessee tour with a performance recently at West Creek High School before a wildly cheering audience.

“This was an absolutely amazing event,” said West Creek principal Matthew Slight. “We’re not only home to the largest JROTC program, but we’re also 52-percent military connected so we are close.”

In his planning efforts, Slight said he made an unprecedented decision in the school’s 10-year history. Not only were all high school students in the bleachers of the Coyotes’ football field, but they were joined by students from surrounding schools.

“We had the high school, middle school and elementary school together today for the first time in our history,” Slight said. “You saw the reaction of our students. “They appreciate what they just saw and it was an absolute wonderful display of what our servicemen are capable of doing together.”

Among those enjoying the show were Clarksville-based Army recruiters. The Clarksville station’s commander, Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Ingmire, said working with the school to host a team’s performance was a great opportunity.

“It was great to see (the Golden Knights) come to one of our schools,” Ingmire said. “It was a unique experience and a great way to showcase the Army.”

As a Golden Knights’ team member narrated from the football field’s press box, the remaining six jumpers left the aircraft and drifted downward. Spectators marveled as one by one the jumpers landed on the field.

Afterwards, the team members met in small groups with the school’s Junior ROTC students. It was hands-on experience as cadets were able to interact with the jumpers and assist them in packing their parachutes for an upcoming jump.

Millions of people throughout the world come to see the Golden Knights each year at more than 100 demonstration sites across the nation and abroad. Demonstration teams can support events with two totally different shows staged at an altitude of 12,500 feet above the earth. Team members demonstrate the maneuverability of the human body while falling at speeds in excess of 120 mph.

The United States Army Parachute Team was founded in 1959. By 1962, the team earned the nickname the “Golden Knights.” The color “Golden” signified the gold medals the team had won while “Knights” alluded to the team’s ambition to conquer the skies. Team members are based at Fort Bragg, NC.

For more information about Army opportunities, visit the Clarksville U.S. Army Recruiting Station located at 3031 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. or call 931 647-1708. Information can be obtained any time online at www.goarmy.com.