U.S. Army Parachute Team graduates first wounded warrior and largest female class

FORT BRAGG, NC - The U.S. Army Parachute Team the Golden Knights' 2008 Assessment and Selection program graduated 12 Soldiers earning the prestigious honor of wearing the black and gold uniform-representing the Army's Official Ambassadors. This year's graduating class included five females, the largest group to graduate in ten years, and the team's first wounded warrior.

SFC Daniel Metzdorf is an above the knee amputee who was assigned to the Parachute Team through the Wounded Warrior program. He endured the rigorous training and testing that each of his fellow Soldiers endured and was able to graduate alongside his peers during a jump demonstration and knighting ceremony. Also graduating was the team's first female reservist, SGT Jennifer Schaben.

To be selected to the team, an individual must be on active duty status, have completed 150 free fall parachute jumps and have a good military and civilian record. Individuals submit their packets for selection, a process that includes a rigorous six-week assessment and selection program of training. Members that successfully completed the six-week training program were knighted today in a special ceremony as an official member of the Golden Knights.

Photo Caption - SFC Daniel Metzdorf makes the final approach during the 2008 Graduation demonstration for the U.S. Army Parachute Team. Metzdorf, an above the knee amputee was part of the 12 selectees to complete the Golden Knight Assessment and Selection. Photo by Donna Dixon.

Photo Caption - SFC Daniel Metzdorf kneels to recite the Golden Knight Creed as he is knighted by LTC Anthony Dill. (pictured with Sword) (also pictured l-r: SSG Christopher Acevedo; U.S.A.P.T. Knight, Joel Rowley; SGT Trevor Oppenborn.) Photo by Donna Dixon.

Photo Caption - U.S. Army Parachute Team's Class of 2008. (l-r): SGT Jennifer Schaben; SGT Rachel Haddon; SPC Brandi Phillips; SGT Dannielle Whoosley; SGT Ryan Bonham; SGT Aaron Figel; SGT Trevor Oppenborn; SFC Daniel Metzdorf; SSG Christopher Acevedo; SGT Reese Pendleton; SGT Tyler Wheeler; SGT Laura Dickmeyer. Photo by Donna Dixon.

Photo Caption - SFC Daniel Metzdorf shows full concentration during training for the 2008 Golden Knight Assessment and Selection. Photo by Donna Dixon

Photo Caption - SFC Daniel Metzdorf packs his parachute following Golden Knight Assessment and Selection training at the team's drop zone in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Photo by Donna Dixon.

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