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Paraglide

Written by Lucille Anne Newman

It began at the crack of dawn, just as the sun began rising over the lake. Hundreds of boats and twice as many eager fishermen (both amateur and professionals) waited for the signal to speed across Jordan Lake just outside of Sanford, N.C., for the perfect fishing spot. Just off the shore at the New Hope Lookout Ramp, the American flag was flown and the national anthem echoed across the lake followed by cheers as boaters watched members of the women’s four-way free fall team descended and landed in four separate boats. When the Golden Knights were safely on shore before the horn sounded and the first fleet of boats took off leaving only mist drifting in the wind.

As soon as the last group left, the lake appeared empty with the exception of a few fishermen combing the shorelines hoping for a nibble. It wouldn’t be long before Ronald Barker pulled in a huge bass on one side and Jerry Daniels, operations sergeant, XVIII Airborne Corps G-9, snagged a catch of his own on the other side. “It went well, but I only caught three,” Daniels said. “(And on top of it) nothing that could be measured. Despite not having anything to turn in, we had a blast.” Daniels was one of many Soldiers who had an opportunity to fish with a professional fisherman during the event. His partner during the tournament was Darrin Schwenkbeck, a (bassmaster) elite series angler.

For Leroy McDaniels, 82nd Airborne Division, it was also a learning experience. “I didn’t realize how big of an event this really was,” McDaniels admitted. “I really learned a lot about bass (fishing) and although we didn’t catch a lot of big fish, we caught a couple little ones we threw back but I really enjoyed the experience and may come back out next year.”

For more information visit  www.warriorsonthewater.com

 Ronald Barker, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, quickly moves a bass he just caught from Jordan Lake into his live- well during the Warriors on the Water fishing tournament
 Friday.

 Hundreds of anglers wait patiently on Jordan Lake for the signal to start their motors and jet across the lake to find the perfect fishing spot during the Warriors on the Water fishing tournament Friday April 18, 2008.
 photos by Lucille Anne Newman/Paraglide

 Karen Morrison , U. S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, slowly moves into position to land on the target on a boat in the middle of Jordan Lake while anglers look on near New Hope Outlook
 ramp Friday.

 Angler Ricky Gwin is all smiles as he gets an autograph
 from Elisa Tennyson of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights after her jump into a boat on Jordan Lake Friday.