Portland Public Schools officials accept invitation to jump with U.S. Army

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 19, 2017) --- Six Portland Public Schools officials will participate in a tandem parachute jump with the U.S. Army Golden Knights in Perris, California, May 25.

The jumpers include: Hillsboro School District Board Member Monte Akers, McNary High School Principal Erik Jespersen, Oregon City High School Associate Principal Toby Futch, Union High School Dean of Students John Godinho, North Salem High School ASPIRE Coordinator Adrian Rodriguez and South Albany High School Guidance Counselor Clair Smith.

The school officials were nominated by local Army recruiters who wanted to recognize individuals in the community who represent the Army values.

“The jump will allow local high school teachers and administrators a chance to interact with Soldiers and learn more about the positive aspects of teamwork, discipline, professionalism and excellence in the Army,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Runkle, commander of the Portland Recruiting Battalion.

In addition, the event will give community partners, who are not located near an Army installation, a chance to learn more about the Army’s career training programs and educational opportunities.

“We are truly honored that these community members are making such a major investment of their time to participate with the Golden Knights,” Runkle said.

Oregon City High School Assistant Principal Toby Futch said he is most looking forward to cultivating a deeper understanding of the Army, because many of his high school students have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the military after graduating high school.

“I am grateful for the U.S. Army to offer this opportunity of a lifetime to jump out of an airplane with the best skydivers in the world,” Futch said.

Union High School Dean of Students John Godinho said that he never imagined he would jump out of an airplane and he is ready to embrace a new challenge.

“If I can ask what sometimes seems impossible of my wrestlers, then I must be willing to do the same.”

Media interested in covering the event should contact the U.S. Army Portland Recruiting Public Affairs Office at (503) 509-4354.

About the Golden Knights

The Golden Knights are the “Official Ambassadors of the Army” and are stationed at the Special Operations Headquarters in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They have performed more than 17,000 shows worldwide since 1962. The Tandem Jump Teams were added in 2000 to help connect the American public with the Army. Over 10,000 individuals have accepted the challenge to tandem jump with the Golden Knights Tandem Team, including former President George H.W. Bush. For more information about the Golden Knights, visit www.goarmy.com/events/golden-knights.html.

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