Marine veteran celebrates 96th birthday with skydive

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — At the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, Marine Veteran Tony Lange suited up for a skydive from 10,000 ft for his 96th birthday on Monday. 

Lange said since Marines did not parachute out of planes during his time serving in the Korean War, he never got to. Tony and his family made their way from Myrtle Beach to accommodate his wish. 

When we asked why skydiving, his answer was simple.  

“It’s something I want to do,” Lange said. “It’s on my bucket list, and I always say never deny yourself anything in life. Just go and do it because life is too short.”  

Lange added that he also had some encouragement from a fellow veteran.  

“About a month ago a Koren War veteran skydived. I said ‘he can do it, I’m going to do it,” Lange said. 

In addition to being a Marine Veteran, Lange is also a registered nurse and a retired New York Fire Department lieutenant. His son brad said even now, it’s often hard to keep up.  

“He’s just nonstop, I can’t keep up with him, I cannot keep up with him,” Brad said. 

After such a storied life, Brad said more than anything, he’s just glad to see his dad happy.  

 “We all love him, and my three sisters and myself, we’re just glad he’s happy. Because he deserves to be happy this time in his life,” Brad added. 

Aside from a small scratch on his right arm from the door on the airplane, Lange said he had a blast.  

“I had a great time, and I think everybody should do it at least once,” Lange said.