“It Brings Everything Back”: 91-Year-Old Former Military Man Celebrated His Birthday with a 120 MPH Skydive Freefall

Instead of enjoying his stroll in the park on his birthday, 91-year-old Joseph Sarge Roach wanted to soar through the skies. The residents of Gainesville celebrated his birthday high up in the sky embarking on a thrilling skydiving adventure. 

In his 21 years of military service, he has been a relentlessly positive master sergeant who now lives in an independent and assisted living community. His recent skydiving escapade captures his zest for life and his enduring passion for adventure. 

Rekindling old passion, Joseph Roach goes skydiving at 91

Having accomplished 300 parachute jumps during the 21 years of his career, the Harper Station resident has served in the Vietnam War and Korean War while at the same time being the jump instructor at Fort Bragg. At this age, Roach rekindled his passion by leaping from an astonishing height of 14,500 feet at 120 mph during the skydiving feat that took place at Skydive Orange.

Roach in an interview with Prince William Times expounded a glimpse of his determined spirit stating, “It brings everything back to you. In the military you jump from much lower, but if you got it in your blood you want to get out and do it. It was my idea, I wanted to go again.”

Hence, he was no stranger to the thrill of free fall and pursued his decision recalling his military days yearning to experience the adrenaline rush all over again. However, this adventurous feat was not only restricted to Roach’s accomplishment since his wife played a major role in propelling him to take up the quest.

Overcoming all challenges, 91 year old carries on with the proud tradition

Four years ago, Roach was accompanied by Billie Jean, his wife during a skydiving adventure despite her battle against Parkinson’s disease. Expressing immense pride in his wife’s fearlessness, her demise in 2022 made the entire skydiving experience even more poignant for Roach. The duo even participated in marathons illustrating their resilient nature.

The 91-year-old has been suffering from a condition known as myasthenia gravis that causes weak muscles and having installed a pacemaker remained undiminished. About his fight with the rare medical condition, Roach preserves a positive outlook towards life as he claims, “It (myasthenia gravis) puts a lot of people down, but it does not bother me at all. I get out a bit, I get around.”

Read More: After Multiple Postponements, a 104-Year-Old Woman From Chicago Skydives From 13,500 Feet to Set a Record

Overcoming the physical challenges posed by senility, Roach took the skydiving adventure on October 25 accompanied by his son and granddaughter. Even though he has been exposed to a short period of sensory overload when everything seemed to blur, it was with the assistance of his instructor, Mario Ripa that he had an unforgettable experience.

Joseph “Sarge” Roach will continue to be an inspiration proving that age seems to pose no barrier while embracing life to the fullest. His positive attitude will light up the halls of Harper’s Station and beyond and his unwavering zest of life will motivate aspiring adventurers to pursue their passion defying all odds.  

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