photos courtesy Patty Berry
Sun City’s Ernie Columbus, 104 years young and motivated by his friend Al Blaschke, recently earned himself the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest World War II combat veterans to skydive. Al, who at 107 recently recaptured his record as the world’s oldest skydiver during a jump with Governor Abbott, was an inspiration for Ernie. Seeing Al’s achievement stirred a renewed sense of determination in Ernie to make his second parachute jump since turning 100 years old.
Rallying Recap
Betty Schleder, the orchestrator of this high-flying saga, says her phone rang off the hook after her jump last November with Al and the governor. Ernie had been wanting to jump for some time but health issues and a full plane for the governor’s jump briefly sidelined him. Still, Betty recognized his enthusiasm and she promised to arrange it as soon as possible. Not surprisingly, her exploits also drew more thrill-seeking seniors from across the community, including Bill Harper, 99, a retired Navy flight engineer; and Patrick Brian, 95, who jumped out of airplanes with some of the U.S. Army’s most elite paratroopers, the 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne Divisions.
Meanwhile, even GISD Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil found himself swept up in the excitement and took some personal time to put a skydiving check on his bucket list. As it happened, Dr. Padavil asked Mayor Josh Schroeder about making connections in his new community and the mayor suggested reaching out to Betty. He jokingly added to be wary because she would likely try to talk him into jumping out of an airplane. Betty says, “Devin told the mayor I wouldn’t have to talk him into it; he had always wanted to do it and I love pushing people out of airplanes!” Despite never having skydived before, Dr. Padavil viewed it as a perfect opportunity to bond with the community and demonstrate leadership by stepping out of his comfort zone.
As preparations for the new skydiving event began, Ernie, Devin, and the others found themselves at the center of the story and sharing a collective anticipation that transcended their years, showcasing a profound zest for life and a desire to inspire others to look to what comes after the fear. And Betty, well aware of the responsibilities involved, chose to continue her jumps at San Marcos Skydive, known for its safety and professionalism, and ensuring every participant feels secure and happy.
Leaps of a Lifetime
Jump day was a mix of excitement and nerves. Ernie’s family, who enjoyed seeing his adventurous spirit on ski slopes and at water parks with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when he was in his 90s, happily supported his skydiving endeavors.
For his part, Ernie exercised every day in preparation for the jump and says all he thought about was how great it was going to be going down. He says, “The most exciting part was the freefall the first minute or so when I first jumped from the plane going 125 miles per hour. Then, slowing down as the parachute opened, I could see everything all around, even the faces of people standing below. It was a lovely, enjoyable sight.”
For Dr. Padavil, the jump was equally transformative but also, like many extreme activities, terrifying. “I was honored to be the first out of the plane but I think it took a little extra courage, especially the moment I knew I was going to [start the fall]. I was really proud to do something with World War II veterans and consider it an honor to be part of an experience we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.”
Following the skydive, all the jumpers reflected on their experiences. Ernie, with a twinkle in his eye, mentioned he was already thinking about his next adventure—perhaps driving a race car. Dr. Padavil, while less eager to repeat the skydiving experience, expressed pride in stepping up to the challenge and joked that his next true challenge is successfully finishing the school bond campaign. “As superintendent, that is a big focus in my life right now but I’m looking forward to navigating the district and helping our kids.”
Ernie and Devin, from different generations and walks of life, found common ground in the sky. Their leap was a testament to the limitless possibilities that life offers, at any age, and a reminder that the desire to dare never has to fade.