(WatchDogReport.org) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott made headlines on Monday by skydiving alongside a 106-year-old veteran, Al Blaschke.
Post-dive, Abbott — who has been paralyzed from the waist down since 1984 — cracked a joke saying, “My biggest fear was realized. And that is, I would land, and not be able to walk away from the landing spot.”
The governor took the plunge with Blaschke at Skydive Spaceland San Marcos. Blaschke, a World War II veteran, had made headlines previously for his skydiving endeavors, including his first jump on his 100th birthday in 2017 and a subsequent jump in 2020, setting a world record for the oldest man to do a tandem parachute jump.
Former Texas State Rep. John Cyrier shared footage of the dive, highlighting the successful landing of both Abbott and the veteran.
This skydiving feat comes shortly after Abbott publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency. He emphasized the need for Trump’s return, particularly for border security, stating, “Joe Biden is causing a potential terror threat in the United States of America,” and added, “There is no way that America can continue under the leadership of Joe Biden as our president.”
Abbott’s jump with Blaschke aimed to honor the service of U.S. military veterans. The governor expressed pride in sharing his first skydiving jump with Blaschke, acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans to protect American freedoms.
Blaschke, a World War II aircraft engineer, had previously made headlines for his adventurous spirit, including his record-breaking skydiving feats, supported by Betty Schleder, a veteran advocate and community leader, who participated in the day’s jump alongside Abbott and the Texas National Guard soldiers.
Abbott’s leap into the sky marks a high point in his adventurous endeavors, aligning with his dedication to honoring veterans and promoting a strong national security stance.
Blaschke’s unparalleled bravery echoes his previous skydiving feats, notably setting the Guinness World Record during his 2020 jump. His courage inspires as he defies age norms, adding a vibrant touch to his lifetime of accomplishments. His presence alongside Abbott in this skydiving adventure embodies resilience and unwavering spirit, serving as an inspiration to many generations.
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