Texas Governor Greg Abbott Takes First Skydive with 106-Year-Old WWII Veteran to Honor Military Service

Texas Governor Greg Abbott took to the skies today for his first-ever skydiving experience, joining forces with 106-year-old World War II veteran Al Blaschke at Skydive Spaceland San Marcos. The duo, accompanied by a group of Texas National Guard soldiers, veteran advocate Betty Schleder, and Skydive Spaceland professionals, soared in a de Havilland DHC-6-200-Twin Otter aircraft before making a tandem jump from 8,500 feet.

Governor Abbott expressed his deep respect for the nation’s military veterans, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding the freedoms enjoyed by Texans and Americans. “Texans and Americans owe so much to the brave men and women who serve our nation and protect the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day,” stated Governor Abbott.

Al Blaschke, a Georgetown resident and World War II aircraft engineer, gained notoriety in 2017 when he made headlines by skydiving for the first time on his 100th birthday. In 2020, Mr. Blaschke, accompanied by his twin grandsons and veteran advocate Betty Schleder, broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s oldest tandem parachute jump. Today’s skydiving feat with Governor Abbott marked another record-setting moment for Mr. Blaschke, securing his place in history once again.

Betty Schleder, a small business owner in Texas and a former finalist on “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race,” joined the distinguished group for the jump, adding her own adventurous spirit to the memorable event. The collective effort aimed to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans, celebrating their contributions to the enduring promise of freedom for generations of Americans.