Leo Gillick
Not everyone reaches their 100th birthday, so when this WWII vet hit the century, he decided to go skydiving to celebrate.
Videos by Rare
At the age of 100 years old, nobody can tell you what to do. WWII veteran Jimmie Hernandez took full advantage of this fact when he chose to go skydiving. He had been dreaming of jumping out of a plane for years, and this big life event was the perfect excuse.
A Long Dream: At 96 years old, he had wanted to celebrate in this skydiving style. But his family had told him no. They thought the old man was crazy and convinced him to do something more age-appropriate. However, he had gotten it into his head, and he was determined.
- His son was shocked when he first proposed it. Speaking to KCRA, he said, “I was like, really. Is that what he just said? I was like, No, that cannot happen.”
A Family Fall
Rather than let their WWII vet grandpa go skydiving alone for his 100th birthday, two of his family members joined him in the jump. The three of them got strapped up to qualified divers and flew to the ground in a tandem jump.
Thankfully, the centurion made it to the ground safely. The whole experience was a real blast for the old guy, and he said that although he was happy ot be on solid ground once again, he would do it again. It’s believed he may be the oldest man to tandem skydive in California.
An old friend of vet Hernandez saw him jump on the news. He couldn’t believe his old friend was still alive, let alone jumping from a plane.
- “I just couldn’t believe it. Most 100-year-olds are gone, and here he is parachuting down.”
During the Second World War, when the Japanese had to evacuate the states, Hernandez looked after his farm. On his return, he gave it back, complete with all his belongings. Because of this, the pair have had a lifelong friendship.
WW11 vet Hernandez is still healthy and well on his 100th birthday and may even go skydiving again.
