In 1962, Col. Joe Kittinger became the first man in space and he wasn't there long. He jumped out of a high-altitude balloon at 102,800 feet to became the first human to break the speed of sound without a vehicle. In 1984, he became the first person to cross the Atlantic solo in a hot air balloon. But there was a chapter left out of his legendary ballooning career. For several years, Kittinger was Michael Jackson's private pilot.
Want to Learn More About Kittinger? Check Out:
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And be sure to check out these channels:
--Big Names
--Unforgettable Characters
--Passions
--Extreme Sports
--Space
Total Length: 02:50 Views: 3,033 Comments: 3 Favorited: 0 Rating: 5 Votes: 4
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Woman of Wisdom
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Posted 5:59 pm July 2nd, 2009Thank you, Joe, for sharing some of the real-life Michael Jackson you actually experienced. Nothing like a good memory.
FISHGOLF
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Posted 10:48 am July 2nd, 2009I had ALWAYS had the opinion that Michael was a gentleman and polite to everyone.
I share the experiences with him of having a father like he did.
When I was a little kid, my Ma had a miscarriage.
Forever afterward, my bastard of a father said, "The wrong one lived."
I always felt that Michael's childhood and his actual person was robbed.
This was a nice video.
Too bad that Michael didn't have the opportunity for a real life.
I truly believe that he never had the chance to choose one.
phantomsec4
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Posted 10:18 am July 1st, 2009Great story! Loved Joe's recollections of Michael's visits with him. As a former employee of both the Hotel Royal Plaza and Church Street Station I also had the pleasure of meeting Michael and spending time with him. Michael truly enjoyed Church Street Station and especially the Dixieland Jazz in Rosie O'Grady's. He would sit up by me behind the spotlight and watch the show -enjoying every minute.
I have wonderful pictures of he and I, Michael in the Suite, and of he and Disney characters and some special guests at the hotel. Joe is so accurate in his description...Michael was soft spoken, kind and courteous and while he preferred anonymity when travelling about he was always appreciative of his fans when his whereabouts were discovered.
He will be missed.