Residents leap from airplanes to raise money for area veterans
Old Colony MemorialSep 21, 2017
Veterans Agent
The local veterans agent was one of several area residents who participated in Heidrea for Heroes' Second Annual Skydive Challenge.
Clipped to instructors, Whitbeck and nine others jumped out of an airplane flying 8,000 feet above
"It's all good when the doors are shut, but the minute the doors open, there's your reality check," Whitbeck said. "But it was awesome. You could see
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Whitbeck said Heidrea frequently helps her assist local veterans by building ramps, lifts and decks for those who return from service with special needs.
Like Whitbeck, Army veteran
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Despite making worst case contingency plans with her husband, Rodriguez said she was surprisingly calm as the plane rose higher and higher. She had little time to worry once they reached jump altitude.
There was no stomach churning, just wind rushing past her face as Rodriguez and her instructor, Alex, dove for the earth. "Then the chute opened and it's quiet, so quiet, and just beautiful," Rodriguez said. "It was incredible. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I don't think anything will ever be as exciting."
Participants in the challenge were expected to raise
O'Reilly said he was in a meeting with Heidrea owner
O'Reilly agreed before learning it involved jumping out of an airplane, but decided to go ahead with the jump after consulting with his son, who flies helicopters for the Army.
"He told me he has friends who do it every weekend. I won't regret it," O'Reilly said.
Like Whitbeck, O'Reilly remembers not having much time to worry once the door opened.
"The next thing I know I'm flying through the sky and it was fantastic," O'Reilly said.
In addition to Whitbeck, Rodriquez and O'Reilly, five others area residents participated. They are
Anyone interested in next year's jump can call
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