Skydives with Cadets During Summer Leadership Visit

Elizabeth City, NC — Elizabeth City State University's Franklin James, director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, recently completed a tandem parachute jump during the 2024 Cadet Summer Training (CST) Leadership Visit—the U.S. Army’s largest annual training event. 

This five-day event, held last month at Fort Knox in Louisville, Kentucky, provided a unique opportunity for James to gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. Army ROTC, and return to ECSU's campus with that knowledge in tow.  

After Sharon D. Raynor, interim associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, sparked James' interest in the CST, Maj. Julie Kendrick, professor of military science and the ECSU Army ROTC Viking Battalion, nominated him for the leadership opportunity.  

Participants in the CST were organized into groups, each led by a lieutenant colonel currently serving as a professor of military science in an ROTC program. These leaders acted as hosts and team leads, ensuring the events maximized participants' observation and interaction with the cadets.

The CST Leadership Visit aims to foster a better understanding of the U.S. Army ROTC by allowing participants to engage in various training activities alongside cadets. Throughout the visit, James had the opportunity to participate in several challenging exercises, including rappelling, a low ropes obstacle course, and the hand grenade assault course.  

However, the highlight of his experience was completing a tandem parachute jump with the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army's elite parachute team. 

Reflecting on his tandem jump experience, James shared, "I was anxious because I have never done it before, but after, I felt relieved—it was very therapeutic. I can't wait to do it again." 

Despite having no military experience, James has a strong familial connection to the armed forces, with his parents and grandparents having served. His active and competitive nature made him a fitting participant for the CST activities. 

James' experience provided him with valuable insights into the U.S. Army ROTC and served as excellent exposure for ECSU. His involvement highlights the university's commitment to fostering strong connections with military training programs and promoting leadership development among its staff and students. 

James plans to apply the knowledge he gained by incorporating it into his campus recreation and wellness programming. "I also plan on doing more collaboration and programming with the ECSU Viking Battalion," he said.  

ECSU is a member of the President's Principles of Excellence Program, and their goal is to provide a smooth transition from military to college life for veterans, active-duty service members, Reserve or National Guard, military dependents, survivors and families. For more information on ECSU's involvement with military programs and future events, please visit Military and Veterans Affairs.