Veteran celebrates 90th birthday with skydive in Amelia Island

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — A veteran celebrated his 90th birthday Sunday by jumping out of an airplane.

Eason Bennett was all strapped up and ready to go by 9 a.m. With his granddaughter by his side, he headed toward the runway at Skydive Amelia Island.

It was a celebration ten years in the making.

"He said when he makes it to 90, he wants to jump out of an airplane," his daughter Kathy Bodamer said. "I guess maybe he didn't think he'd be around but he still wanted to do it."

The 90-year-old Korean War veteran and purple heart recipient hopped on the plane without any second thoughts.

As he climbed more than 10,000 feet into the air, dozens of his supporters waited for him on the ground.

Some were waiting their turn to take the jump.

"My 90-year-old uncle is jumping, so I better give it a shot," Mark Bennett said.

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Family all the way from California joined his American Legion Post members to watch.

When the 90-year-old glided gently to safety, he was greeted with applause, hugs and a beer.

"Oh, it was beautiful," Bennett said.

Surrounded by his friends, family and fellow veterans, Bennett said it was a moment he won't soon forget.

"Good 90th birthday. Best ever," he said.

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Cox Media Group