TDVS Deputy Commissioner Goins Jumps with Golden Knights

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Deputy Commissioner Tilman Goins completed a tandem parachute jump Wednesday, April 17, with the U.S. Army Parachute Team, popularly known as the “Golden Knights” at Outlaw Field at the Clarksville Regional Airport outside of Fort Campbell, KY.

“It is an honor to participate with this elite group of parachutists,” said Deputy Commissioner Goins, “The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services appreciates the service the Golden Knights have shown to their country and the expertise they bring to their craft.”

Goins stated that he wanted to participate in this jump to help bring recognition to the great men and women who work within the department and the Veterans that they serve.

The Golden Knights were founded in 1959 as the Strategic Army Command Parachute Team (STRAC) and have been officially known as the United States Army Parachute Team since 1961. Since that time, the Golden Knights have conducted more than 16,000 shows in 50 states and 48 countries. The demonstration teams perform at more than 100 events per year. The Golden Knights have performed tandem jumps with heads of state, celebrities, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services’ own Commissioner Courtney Rogers.

“Jumping with the Golden Knights two years ago was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life,” said Commissioner Rogers, “I was excited to witness Deputy Commissioner Goins experience his first jump. The Golden Knights are experts at what they do and our department is excited to have had this chance to experience it firsthand.”

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services was founded in 1921 as the “Ex-Servicemen’s Bureau” to assist Veterans in claims benefits processing. Today, the department is committed to serving more than 470,000 Veterans and their family members through claims assistance, burial benefits, education, employment and connection to federal, state, local and non-profit services.