Leap Frogs Kick Off Wounded Warrior Warrior Relay

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fletcher Gibson, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Members of the U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, the Leap Frogs, jumped into Rancho Bernardo High School May 20 to kick off a 12-hour relay marathon designed to raise awareness about wounded veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

The six-man Leap Frog jump team paraded the U.S. flag to the national anthem performed by the Rancho Bernardo Madrigals before touching down in the school's athletic field where the relay would take place.

"It was a great performance," said Paul Robinson, the school's principal. "It reminds us of the tremendous heart and skill of our armed forces."

The relay served as a focal point for the Rancho Bernardo community to come together and show their support for the nation's wounded warriors. Held in conjunction with "Team Red, White and Blue" and "Advocates in Action," the marathon featured athletic and educational teams from the school as well as members of the surrounding area going the distance for the injured veterans among them.

"When a soldier or sailor is wounded in action, they're returned to the States and separated from their unit or their ship," said Kathleen Kennedy, the event chairperson. "It's really hard for them to leave that brotherhood, and it's up to the community to provide what they're missing."

This was the inaugural event for what many are expecting to be an annual community tradition.

"Mark your calendars for next year," said Robinson to the Leap Frogs. "This will get better and better."

The Leap Frogs next scheduled performance is May 24 at Coney Island in New York.

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting.