About Airborne Amputees

What is Airborne Amputees?

It’s a rush. It’s a thrill. It’s an adrenaline junkie’s dream. It’s also PROOF that the sky is the limit after amputation!

The Airborne Amputee skydive has become a symbol of independence and strength for the hundreds of amputees who have taken the leap over the past 3 years.

The event, now heading into its fourth year, started back in 2008 with a small team of amputees from the Amputees in Action support group looking for adventure. Since then, it has grown into a weekend-long event of music, food and fun.

This all began with a challenge from Jody Graham’s prosthetist Ben Falls. Years earlier, during one of her prosthetic appointments, Jody mentioned to Ben, who is an amputee himself, that she had skydived before she lost her right leg and she was not confident that she would be able to jump as an amputee. Ben, who had skydived following his amputation, chuckled and told Jody that “the sky is the limit for amputees” and laid down a challenge to Jody. Ben told the cautious amputee to think about it and when she was ready to jump, he’d be jumping alongside her.

True to his word, Jodie and Ben were amongst that small group jumping in 2008. Now this “little challenge” has evolved into a life-changing event for hundreds of amputees every year.

Every single skydiver walks away with a “badge of courage”, so to speak, but the real heroes and guests of honor for this event, are the Wounded Warriors from Brooks Army Hospital. Many of them come to the event as part of their rehabilitation process and several of these Wounded Warriors were Army airborne who are taking their first jumps since losing their limbs fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The patriotic tribute to our servicemen and women and the camaraderie of fellow amputees sharing stories and created a inspiring and thrilling backdrop to our 2010 event.

Between the barbeque, bands, moonwalks, P.T. Rehab Games, miniature horse rides, and even an Oreo cookie Dunk-off, the 130-acre Skydive Spaceland airpark was transformed into a festival with fun to be had by all – and 2011 promises to be even bigger!

Where is Airborne Amputees?

All Amputees, friends and family members are welcome at our annual event! Other than the jump, there are tons of activities, food, music and fun for everyone!  Dozens of Wounded Warriors from Brooks Army Base in San Antonio serve as our special guests of honor for the Airborne Amputee Skydive, so you can expect patriotism on parade!