Video of Celebrating 50 Years of Skydiving History at growingbolder.com

Posted on August 18th, 2010 at 11:13 pm

On August 16, 1960, Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger rode a helium balloon to 102,800 feet -- the very edge of space -- and jumped. Fifty years later, to commemorate man's longest leap, Kittinger became the first inductee into the National Skydiving Museum Hall of Fame.

From the ground and the sky, he was honored at an unforgettable event at Skydive DeLand. Some of the biggest names in skydiving showed him just how important his contributions to the sport are, lining up to get his autograph and shake his hand. Then, 50 of the best jumpers in the world, including members of the elite Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, took to the skies and jumped -- forming a K in the skies over Joe.

Growing Bolder reveals exclusive video of Kittinger's historic jump and shows how his research and courage continues to inspire countless lives, including former President George H.W. Bush.

Want to learn more about Joe's historic life? Click here for our very special Insider dedicated to Joe and his legacy of courage, risk-taking and adventure.

Total Length: 07:24 Views: 11,029 Comments: 4 Favorited: 1 Rating: 5 Votes: 6

Tags

b.j. thomson - balloon - skydive deland - skydiving - military - army golden knights - george h.w. bush - joe kittinger - president bush - parachute - space

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DZ Manager
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Posted 3:39am September 16th, 2010

It was an honour and a privilege to watch the 50 way being done for Joe that day. Also to share this day with other friends that were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Skydiving is truely a unique world we all live in and i wish everyone were adventurous enough to experience what we know. God bless Joe, Cheryl, Lew and the rest of the 11 inductee's!!!
JasonCam
GB Staff
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Posted 10:35am August 26th, 2010

Hey David! I'm glad that you mentioned Lew Sanborn. Later today (8/26), we'll have a new video all about Lew on Growing Bolder. Stay tuned!
David Virden
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Posted 12:07am August 26th, 2010

It was even more than Russ (D-2216) said. With his help I was chosen to be one of the 50 honoring Joe. At age 54 and never having done this before, it was a dream shot and a chance of a lifetime. My formation partner on my left was Lew Sanborn, A-1 and D-1. and he has to be in his 80's and probably the most famous skydiver in our community. I like the video of this event with 49 of the best skydivers in the world. I was #50 and just a rookie that got a dream shot. The 1st 10 jumps were good and bad. Then the 11th was show time, and we nailed it. Russ made his slot all 11 jumps and was one of the best of the best that Joe talked about. To the other 49 and Col. Joe, my dream came true and I can't thank you all enough.

David Virden

D-29341
D-2216
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Posted 12:03pm August 19th, 2010

Growing Bolder has done it again! Documenting active seniors who are still making history.

It was an honor and a pleasure for me to participate as a 50-way freefall demonstration team member, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Colonel Joe's history making parachute jump from the edge of space in 1960.

During the 3-day event, Kittinger was introduced as Skydiver Over Sixty (SOS)
member # 1460, joining the ranks of fellow skydivers who are still actively making history every day.

Get your sport parachute ready, Joe, as SOS members from around the world gather next April 9-17 at Skydive Deland for 2011 SOS World Record Series event.

Russ Manhold
SOS # 808