Above: Veteran Michael Vasquez descends in freefall during a HALO jump at West Tennessee Skydiving. Photo by Tylor Flurry.
On Saturday, August 23, at West Tennessee Skydiving in Whiteville, Michael Vasquez—known as “Wheelchair Skydiver”—made a HALO skydive from a Piper Cheyenne 400 at a GPS altitude of 42,600 feet (and 41,000 feet barometric).
Vasquez is a double amputee who was injured in combat during Army operations in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and has since dedicated himself to raising awareness for injured veterans through demonstration jumps across the country.
USPA National Director Mike Mullins piloted the aircraft and Southern Regional Director Paul Gholson served as oxygen jumpmaster. USPA Vice President and Western Region Director Josh Hall also took part in the jump. Mullins, who operates West Tennessee Skydiving, donated the HALO skydive to Vasquez.
Mike Mullins D-1643
Whiteville, Tennesee