U.S Rep. Rahall Jumps From Plane in Support of Coal and Troops

West Virginia Democratic Congressman Nick Rahall parachuted Saturday with the U.S. Army Parachute Team known as the “Golden Knights” at an auto fair to show his support for coal power and the United States military.

"It was exhilarating," said Rahall. "Most exciting moment of my life and to see the beautiful West Virginia mountains and hills from the perspective that I did the first time ever, from that perspective was truly out of this world." The jump was completed at the Friends of Coal Auto Fair in Beckley, West Virginia, an event whose goal is to "help shine a light on the coal industry and what it does to make our state a better place to work, live and play." The Friends of Coal Author Fair is one of the largest auto shows in West Virginia and features hundreds of rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, motorcycles, tuners, & trucks from all years; food vendors; a flea market and arts & crafts area; and carnival rides and games for adults and kids, in addition to a large Saturday night concert. In a press release last week, Rahall detailed his reasons for participating:

It is a very special honor for me to be able to show – in a bold way, my continued support for not only coal, but for everyone who serves the people of West Virginia and our Nation through their service in our armed forces and law enforcement agencies. It is a Nick Rahall affirmation of the importance of coal and an opportunity to pay tribute to those who extraordinarily serve and make personal sacrifices each day for the citizens of West Virginia and our Nation as a whole.

In that same press release, Golden Knights' Commander U.S. Army LTC Anthony Dill said it was an honor to jump with Congressman Rahall and "demonstrate the great teamwork and capability of the Soldiers of the U.S. Army, especially during the year of the NCO [Non-Commissioned Officer]. The Congressman will get to put his life directly in the hands of our NCOs, just like America does every day, though most don't even know it.”