Servicemembers earn incentive flight with Golden Knights

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  For many Airmen, Soldiers and civilians, an incentive flight can be a rare experience. Some would say 'landing' an opportunity to feast their eyes on skies, up high, with the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team is a chance of a lifetime.

But for more than 30 Whiteman servicemembers they experienced just that during the 2010 Wings Over Whiteman Air Show and Open House, Sept. 18 & 19, as they were chosen to fly in the Fokker C-31A Troopship, courtesy of the Golden Knights Gold Team.

"Incentive flights are offered at the wing level to servicemembers who distinguish themselves as outstanding performers," said Capt. Paul Howerton, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion acting administration officer.

One supervisor, Master Sgt. Valincia Western, 509th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge, said she selected Air Force Global Strike Command Staff Sgt. Sharon Catana for the incentive flight because she excels at every task given.

"If I had to use one word to describe Sergeant Catana, it would be phenomenal," said Sergeant Western. "She was an excellent choice to represent the 509th MDOS. When a rare opportunity such as this comes along, it's rewarding to nominate someone who is truly deserving. Sergeant Catana will remember this for a lifetime, and this event was her reward for her hard work and dedication."

From 12,500-feet up and with temperatures below freezing, Whiteman servicemembers observed the airborne soldiers suit-up and prepare for departure via parachute while entertaining the WOW crowd with their performance.

"The flight was a dream come true," said Airman 1st Class Ian Sondergaard, 509th Munitions Squadron storage crew member. "I've wanted to do something like this all my life. I'm very thankful to the team and my squadron for allowing me this opportunity.

"Having the bay doors open, seeing the base from above with the wind and the noise from the engine, and being up there with the team was just an amazing thing to be a part of," he said. "It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I certainly enjoyed every minute of it."

The team earned the nickname the "Golden Knights" - Golden, signifying the team's stellar reputation of bringing home gold medals; Knights, alluding to the fact that the team had "conquered the skies" and portraying that members of the team are champions of a set of ideals and principals.

For information about the Golden Knights, log on to www.armygoldenknights.com.