90-year-old US man skydives for 1st time; learned to use parachute in World War II

In this Sunday, July 15, 2012 photo, 90-year-old Lester Slate, right, of Exeter, Maine, sits on the ground after his first skydiving jump made in tandem with instructor Matt Riendeau, left, at Central Maine Skydiving in Pittsfield, Maine. (AP Photo/Bangor Daily News, Kevin Bennett) MANDATORY CREDIT; NO SALES; MAGS OUT

July 16, 2012 - 10:13 AM

PITTSFIELD, Maine - A U.S. man who learned how to use a parachute as a Navy pilot during World War II has finally made his first jump — at age 90.

Lester Slate jumped Sunday and was guided to the ground by a tandem jumper. He was accompanied by another skydiver trailing a U.S. flag.

The jump in Maine was a 90th birthday present to himself. More than 50 family and friends watched.

Slate tells the Bangor Daily News he was inspired by former president George H.W. Bush, who jumped from an airplane on his 85th birthday in 2009.

Slate says he had such a good time he wants to do it again on his 95th or 100th birthday.

News from © The Associated Press, 2012

The Associated Press

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