By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (PJ) Michelle Turner, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs
DES MOINES, Iowa (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, performed for nearly 22,000 track and field enthusiasts during the opening ceremonies of the 102nd Drake Relays, America's Athletic Classic, at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, April 29 and 30.
More than 7,000 high school, college and professional athletes competed in a full spectrum of track and field disciplines during the three-day event, including 2010 World Indoor Champion and 2010 U.S. Outdoors Champion hurdler Lolo Jones, a Des Moines native.
"This is in many ways the biggest event of the year," said David Maxwell, the president of Drake University.
The crowd clapped and cheered as the Leap Frogs jumped from the ramp of a Minnesota Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft almost a mile away. The crowd got even louder as each jumper landed.
"It creates such excitement to see something that dramatic, that awe inspiring," said Maxwell. "It has a powerful impact on the adrenaline level of the stadium."
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Justin Gonzales honored Drake University April 29 by flying a Drake University flag. Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Thomas Kinn flew a large American flag, touching down shortly after the national anthem. Gonzales presented the Drake flag to Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Drake University's athletic director, after the performance.
"It was extraordinary," said Clubb. "It added such a special touch to the event. Having the national anthem sung at the same time as the flag was coming down was pretty emotional."
The Leap Frogs stacked their parachutes in the air to form tri-planes and swirled colored smoke high above the stadium. Three jumpers linked together in a drag-plane formation. One jumper then separated and the remaining two transitioned to a down-plane maneuver.
"Parachuting in high wind is always a challenge," said Chief Warrant Officer (SEAL) Keith Pritchett, a member of the Leap Frogs. "But that's what we train for. Like these athletes here today a lot of preparation goes into what we do. We're happy the clouds cleared out in time for us to perform both days so we could showcase what Naval Special Warfare has to offer."
The Leap Frogs didn't end their duties in Des Moines with just skydiving.
Several members of the team also volunteered for "Rock the Block" after their performance April 30, a Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity community initiative to renovate homes in the area. Started in December 2010, the project is almost complete, said Tami Kreykes, an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.
"We couldn't do it without them [volunteers]," said Kreykes. "It would be so much work for us. Volunteers come in and save the day, like you guys did."
The Leap Frogs removed a retaining wall that had collapsed and worked with community volunteers to put the finishing touches on another home by laying several palettes of turf.
"Our homeowners couldn't afford a home without Habitat," said Kreykes. "Volunteers come out and make an affordable home an option for them. It's really big."
The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations across the United States in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting.
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