NC State Army ROTC, Athletics Partnership Reaches New Heights

By Katie Glover

NC State University Athletics and the Army’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) have built long-lasting relationships through the years. That relationship was brought to new heights — literally — when Adina Stock, assistant athletic director for operations, took part in a jump with the Golden Knights in Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Golden Knights are the U.S. Army’s official aerial parachute demonstration team. Maj. Tanya Tersillo, assistant professor of military science for Army ROTC, arranged the skydiving event as a way to say thanks for the wonderful military support provided by NC State University and to expand the strong military connection in the greater Raleigh and Fort Bragg area.

“Relationships are critical for the United States Army,” explained Lt. Col. Will Cunningham, Army ROTC professor of military science. “Whether at home at our Army installation and with local communities or abroad training and conducting operations to help secure our nation, relationships are routinely the difference between success and failure.”

Tersillo saw the event as a way not only to build relationships, but also as a way to have members of the NC State faculty and staff spend time together outside of the campus environment.

“A jump with the Golden Knights is not only a way to showcase the Army to other members of the NC State staff, but also a way to have fun as a team,” said Tersillo. “There’s nothing like a good adrenaline rush to build ‘espirit de corps.’” 

When Stock heard about the opportunity, she signed up.   

“I was excited,” said Stock. “It was an experience I would not give up.” 

The day of the event, the group boarded a Golden Knights aircraft and ascended to an altitude of 12,500 feet before jumping tandem with a member of the parachute team. 

“It’s just a first-class experience, and it’s absolutely amazing,” said Stock. 

Stock was especially impressed with the level of professionalism by the team and how they made everyone feel comfortable throughout the process.

“They keep you calm; everyone is so nice,” Stock said about the experience, which included a walkthrough of each step of the process before the actual jump took place.

Stock is proud of the ongoing relationship with ROTC, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines at NC State. Stock supports ROTC through scheduling of rooms, labs and training.

“I am thankful for the relationship we have with ROTC,” said Stock.

“The university, and specifically the NC State Athletics department, are like family for the Wolfpack Army ROTC Battalion,” added Cunningham. “I just can’t say enough about the support they provide to help us develop and educate the next generation of leaders for the US Army.”