Nebraska native reaches new heights with Golden Knights

  • Published
  • By Rogelie R. Johnson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  When Brandie Phillips signed up for the military in 2005, she enlisted as an airborne radiology technician. She didn't imagine that four years later she would be jumping out of a plane to perform for thousands of Americans. 

Specialist Phillips, a native of Fort Calhoun, Neb., is one of the newest additions to the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's award-winning parachute demonstration team. 

As the "official ambassadors of the Army," the Golden Knights travel around the world to perform aerial demonstrations for the public and support Army public relations and recruiting, compete in national and international parachuting competitions and test new equipment and techniques to improve airborne operations and safety, Specialist Phillips explained. 

According to their Web site, the Golden Knights have performed more than 15,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries, reaching more than 20,000 people per show. Since its founding in 1959, the Golden Knights have competed at various national and international skydiving competitions and continuously brought home gold, silver and bronze medals. On average, the team performs 75 demonstrations and competes in about 20 competitions every year. 

On Aug. 29 and 30, the Golden Knights' Black Demonstration team is scheduled to perform during Offutt's "Defenders of Freedom" Open House and Air Show. 

"We are delighted to have the Golden Knights scheduled to perform at our open house and air show this year," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander. The Golden Knights put on an exciting show every time, they are consummate professionals and are guaranteed to put on a crowd-pleasing performance. 

"As a nation still at war, I can't think of a better way to highlight the Army warrior spirit than to have the Knights with us," General Shanahan added. "I look forward to watching them in person and hope the local community turns out in force and joins in the fun!" 

This year marks Specialist Phillips' first season as a demonstration parachutist for the black team. The demonstration team performs from an altitude of 12,500 feet, free-falling at speeds of more than 120 mph. 

Sergeant 1st Class Jeff Schafer, an aviation maintenance supervisor and team leader for the black team, said viewers can expect an excellent show. 

One act planned for the show is called a mass performance, in which one jumper will fly with the American flag as the national anthem is being played, Sergeant Schafer said. Then six and 12 jumpers will jump out of the team's aircraft simultaneously and come together to form a geometrical formation while trailing red smoke from their feet, he added. 

"We want to show the public firsthand what the Army can achieve during precision free-fall operations, as well as allowing the community to talk to Soldiers," Specialist Phillips said. "This allows us to share our experiences within the military with the public." 

Since many people have family members or friends in the military, the Golden Knights are one of the ways the American public can connect with American Soldiers, Sergeant Schafer said. 

For Specialist Phillips, performing at Offutt won't be just any show. It will be a special homecoming and her first performance here. 

"This show is special to me because my grandfather served at Offutt many years ago, and my family will be at the show to support me," Specialist Phillips said. "It is exciting for me to be able to perform in my home state." 

Specialist Phillips said jumping is the most freeing feeling. She describes seeing for miles and hearing only the rush of the wind during free falls. Since she started jumping in 2006, she has logged more than 700 free fall parachute jumps. But the most thrilling part of a jump is being able to put on a show for the audience, she added. 

Specialist Phillips said she loved her job as a demonstrator and wanted to continue to learn and refine her jumping skills, so she decided to try out for the Golden Knights in the fall of 2008. She had the opportunity to attend the Golden Knight Assessment and Selection Program and was "knighted" after eight weeks of rigorous training. 

"The Golden Knights have much more variety in what they can do, such as being able to compete in national and international parachuting competitions, as well as reach a larger audience of the American public," Specialist Phillips added. 

One key ingredient to putting on a show is teamwork, Sergeant Schafer said. Teamwork is essential given that members of the Golden Knights come from all walks of life, he said. 

Sergeant Schafer also said communication is very important. When the team is in the air, members use their hands and arms to communicate with one another. Communication is vital for team members in creating formations and avoiding accidents, he added. 

"To do our job, we all come together and become an 'Army of One' to represent the men and women of the U.S. Army," Sergeant Schafer added. "The Army prides itself on personifying the seven core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage." 

Specialist Phillips said she feels honored to be part of such an elite team. "Being in the Golden Knights is a huge responsibility, because it means being the face of the Army and representing all of the Soldiers who are overseas fighting for our nation." 

For more information about the open house and air show and other scheduled performers, visit www.offuttairshow.com.