U.S. ARMY PARACHUTE TEAM TO JUMP WITH FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, will have the honor and privilege to perform a tandem jump with the 41st President, George H. W. Bush, as he celebrates his 85th birthday. The event will take place in Kennebunkport, Maine, as family and friends gather to observe the former president's jump. "This event is very special for us," said the team's commander, LTC Anthony Dill. "We have proudly represented the U.S. Army with every jump taken over the last 50 years. Each successful mission honors the sacrifices and accomplishments our fellow Soldiers across the globe make every day. As we celebrate our 50-year anniversary, we as a team are honored to have this opportunity to jump with Mr. Bush, especially as he celebrates such a milestone." Mr. Bush's first parachute jump took place during World War II. Since then, he has made several jumps with the Golden Knights. His most recent jump was in 2007 during the 10th anniversary and rededication of the Bush Library in College Station, Texas. As the team celebrates 50 years as ambassadors for the Army, it's only fitting to celebrate with such an iconic figure. "It's an honor to share the sky with an American Patriot," noted SGM Michael Eitniear, the team's senior enlisted Soldier. The jump with former President Bush takes place just two days before the Army celebrates its 234th birthday, "it couldn't have happened at a better time," added Dill. Robin Meade, anchor of HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade," will make her first tandem jump with Mr. Bush. CNN and HLN (formerly Headline News) will both feature prominent coverage of the former president's jump, including an exclusive interview Meade will conduct with former President Bush before they embark on the jump. Meade anchors "Salute to Troops," a daily HLN segment highlighting those serving our nation around the globe, with photos and videos as submitted by soldiers' families and loved ones. The event is scheduled to take place on June 12th at St. Ann's Church in Kennebunkport, Maine, which is the same location where the former president's parents were married. For more information about the U.S. Army Parachute Team, visit www.armygoldenknights.com For media information contact Donna Dixon at 877.837.4983 or Cheryle Rivas at 910.257.5945.