The loss of both his legs never stopped Air Force veteran Stan Rohrer from living life to the fullest.
To celebrate his 90th birthday, the retired communications officer, who served during the Korean War, recently jumped out of an airplane from 13,000 feet with his daughter, Linda.
"When I had legs, I would hike along R-74, the Ortega Highway, as well as the San Jacinto mountain that I have climbed many times,” he said.
Stan lost both his legs when he was in his 80s due to blood clots behind his knees but that doesn’t stop him from being an avid biker, wheelchair tennis player and kayaker.
Every year Linda and her parents sit down to talk about what they want to accomplish in the coming 12 months.
“I feel it is a good way to make dreams or ideas become a reality,” she explained. “This year my mom wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary.”
Stan had no ideas and Linda suggested skydiving as a family event.
“He looked at me and said he would consider it and my mom looked at me and said she was opting out,” Linda continued.
Linda said her dad’s response didn’t surprise her because he likes to do things that people think he might not be able to accomplish and show them he has the will and strength to do anything he puts his mind to.
He said he felt very secure in how he was strapped in during the jump and enjoyed the view on the way down before the parachute opened. He jumped over Lake Elsinore in Southern California, and even caught a glimpse of Catalina Island on his descent.
“Floating down under the parachute I was given the opportunity to steer the chute right and left, which was fun,” he added. “I think I had more excitement the night before when I received my driver’s license that is good until 2025.”
Stan even modified his truck so he can drive himself anywhere. He uses pulleys to get his wheelchair in and out and unloads his kayaks by himself.
Would he skydive again? Stan said he would.
HW’s love of skydiving leaves a lasting impression on the Army Golden Knights
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