On February 8, Sun City’s Ernie Columbus celebrated his 100th birthday—with 99 friends and family members—at Skydive Temple. He was inspired by his friend, Al Blaschke, also from Sun City, who did a tandem jump for his 100th birthday in 2017. Texas weather being what it is, Ernie was not able to jump that day, but, the Columbus clan was not daunted. His brother, children, and many of his 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren enjoyed a full-size family reunion, having traveled from as far as Hawaii, Florida, and Illinois.
Undeterred, Ernie went back on a beautiful Valentine afternoon and made a successful jump from 12,000 feet (pictured). Upon landing, he told his fans, “I had a great ride! I feel ready to go again, but maybe after a few days.”
Ernie was born in Pennsylvania and was a U.S. Army 1SGT and served 4-1/2 years in the European theater during WWII. After the war, he worked for the United States Employment Service and later joined the Air Force.
But wait, there’s more!
Al Blaschke plans to make his second jump, at a youthful 103, which will make him the world record holder. Friend Betty Schleder says, “While most people blessed enough to make it to 100 might reflect on accomplishments, Al was still making long range plans.” Al’s goal three years ago was to see his grandsons graduate from college. In a wonderful flourish, his grandsons, who are graduating this May, may do the jump with him.