201212_UTMinuteman_W.. - Keep Trees

wings during Operation Fallschirmjäger (which is German for
paratrooper). The C-17 dropped three static-line passes onto
Global One Drop Zone near Fairfi eld, Utah, from 1,500 feet
and one military freefall pass with jumpers exiting from 9,999
feet above ground level. The remaining nine sticks (groups)
of static-line jumpers exited the UH-60 Blackhawk from
1,500 feet.
“The Germans invented this sport,” said Master Sgt. Ed
Bailey, a jumpmaster assigned to the 19th, referring to Germany
as the fi rst country to successfully deploy airborne forces in
combat during World War II.
At the conclusion of the airborne operation, Labusch
personally pinned each Paratrooper with bronze German wings.
These Soldiers, already in an exclusive group within the ranks
of the U.S. Army, joined the elite of the German army with
only about 140,000 German wings awarded since the German
parachute training school was formed in 1936.
Dozens of family members fl ocked to the drop zone to see
their loved ones jump. Stormy Vehnekamp, whose husband
is Sgt. 1st Class Tim Vehnekamp, a Special Forces engineer
sergeant with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special
Forces Group (Airborne), was excited about the opportunity to
be at the drop zone and take in the sights and sounds of the
airborne operation.
“Do you hear that?” asked Stormy, motioning to the
Blackhawk helicopter. “That is the sound of liberty.”
Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden
Visits Utah Guardmembers
and Their Families
Story and photos by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire
SALT LAKE CITY — Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the
United States, visited with Utah National Guard Airmen,
Soldiers and families July 10 at the Utah Air National
Guard Base in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Biden was in Utah to raise awareness for Joining
Forces, a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of
society to give our Servicemembers and their families the
opportunities and support they have earned.
According to www.whitehouse.gov, “As a military
mom [herself], Jill understands fi rsthand how diffi cult it
can be to have a loved one deployed overseas.
“As Second Lady, Jill has dedicated herself to shining
a light on military families’ strength and courage as well
as the challenges that they face. She travels regularly to
military bases in both the United States and abroad to
speak with Servicemembers and their families.”
Utah National Guard 197th
Special Troops Company
(Airborne) Soldiers jump from
two aircraft platforms: a C-17
Globemaster III and a UH-60
Blackhawk helicopter to earn
their German parachute wings
June 13 at Global One Drop Zone
near Fairfi eld, Utah..
Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, greets Utah
National Guard Airmen, Soldiers and their families July 10
at the Utah Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.
Utah Minuteman 35