Christopher J. Needels

Elderly man with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a colorful shirt, looking directly into the camera against a plain background.

D-1765

CHAIRMAN

Having served in the White House as Director of International Programs on the National Security Council Staff, Chris went on to organize and participate in the first two skydives of former President George Herbert Walker Bush. His 28 years of service in the United States Army included two combat tours in Southeast Asia, service with infantry, armor, airborne, intelligence, Ranger and Special Forces units, and a tour as commander of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights.Following his military service, he became executive director of the United States Parachute Association, where he remained for more than 13 years.

Chris now resides in Accomac, Virginia, with his wife Conny. He holds USPA license D-1765 and has made more than 3,000 skydives. He received a B.S. (Engineering) from the U.S. Military Academy, an M.S. in Operations Research (Engineering) from the Navy Postgraduate School, and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Chris was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame, Class of 2014.

Chris serves on the Executive Committee, is Chair of the Museum Facilities and Finance & Budget Committees, and is a member of the Awards & Recognition: Hall of Fame Standing Committee.

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