Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 NEWS
 Army Guard helicopters, Air Force parachutists take jamboree to the skies By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadde, Joint Task Force–National Scout Jamboree
 FORT A.P. Hill, Va., - The vast, wooded  forests and rolling, green hills here have provided a rich, natural environment  for each Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree since 1981. Thousands of scouts from across the country partake in  the opportunity to hike the scenic trails, spot the varieties of wildlife and  appreciate the ecological wonders of the area. But as the scouts enjoyed the events on the campgrounds,  there were plenty of activities taking place in the skies above them. Between lessons to earn merit badges and trade patches  with new friends, scouts often looked up to see U.S. Army National Guard Black  Hawk UH-60 helicopters careen through the air. And behind the aircraft, a trail  of two or three parachutists floated downward almost right near where the  scouts were standing, something to make their time there even more special. The West Virginia Army National Guard helicopters  partnered with other military service branches and civilian organizations  throughout the 2010 National Scout Jamboree here July 26-Aug. 4. The units’ performances are scheduled and coordinated by  the Joint Task Force-Aviation Task Force in support of the jamboree and the  100th anniversary of scouting. The guard helicopters are not only utilized for air shows  and parachute jumps, but for emergency contingencies like using “Bambi buckets”  to collect water to extinguish potential forest fires. The Guard conducted a  simulated exercise by collecting and dumping water at Thunder Lake on Fort A.P.  Hill July 23. “All the aviation assets you’ll see for this operation  are Army National Guard helicopters,” said Army Lt. Col. John Till, the  aviation task force commander. “It’s definitely a joint exercise with civilian  emergency services, the fire department, Air Force air traffic controllers on  the ground, and the Army in the air.” For the jamboree itself, Guard helicopters took members  of the “Wings of Blue” parachute team from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.,  through several high- and low-altitude jumps over the Jamboree campgrounds. “We’re glad the military could help out with the Joint  Task Force help out on the Jamboree,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Drinkard,  U.S. Air Force Academy “Wings of Blue” parachute team. Drinkard and fellow parachutists participated in dozens  of jumps throughout the week, some at heights between 4,500 and 9,000 feet.  Some jumpers even utilized elaborate smoke streamers or carried military  service and prisoner-of-war flags as they descended closer to the campgrounds,  especially during one of the Jamboree’s arena shows. While the appearance of the aircraft and jumpers may add  extra flair for Jamboree spectators, Chief Warrant Officer James Wildman, Black  Hawk pilot from the West Virginia Guard, said working with other service  branches made the trip more unique for him and his team. And U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Jesse Galt, a  parachutist with “Wings of Blue” and former Eagle Scout, said the chance to  jump from a helicopter to the Jamboree fairgrounds also had special  significance. “Three years ago, I was a boy scout and now I’m jumping  into air shows all over the country and the world,” he said. “This joint task force has been a very professional  organization that’s run very well,” Wildman said. “And it’s a pleasure to be  here and support the jamboree, too.” Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree plans and  executes all DoD operations and activities in support of the Boy Scouts of  America at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill. The JTF’s goal is to provide professional military  support and a safe and secure environment for Scouts and visitors during the  event. The Department of Defense’s presence and effort at the  NSJ emphasizes the commitment to the nation’s youth.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course
 By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith,
  38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry,
  Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska
 By 156th Wing
  More
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course Guard News • 5 hours ago
 38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise Guard News • 12 hours ago
 Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska Guard News • 12 hours ago
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (196)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil