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Vietnam War veteran celebrates 70th birthday with skydive

Livingston County News - 7/13/2017

Decorated Vietnam War veteran Robert Rapone wanted to celebrate his 70th birthday in a memorable way, as well as commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Rapone served two tours there beginning in 1966. He was a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving as a ranger on long range reconnaissance patrol.

On July 8, he did both by skydiving out of an airplane - his first jump since doing so in service to his country in a far off jungle.

Rapone's sister, JoAnn Kingsbury, said the grin on her brother's face after landing was priceless. Her husband, Lou Kingsbury, also skydived with Rapone.

"Lou wanted to do this with his brother-in-law to celebrate his birthday. They have such compassion for one another," JoAnn Kingsbury said of her brother and husband.

The Kingsburys lost their young son Joe 18 years ago. Lou said he felt close to his son for those moments when he was suspended in the clouds.

For his brave military service, Rapone received the Vietnam Parachute wings with a Combat Jump Star, two Combat Air Medals, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor. He is a member of the Matthew Cleary Post and is an advocate for several other veteran organizations.

Two friends joined Rapone and Kingsbury and also completed their dives - Dick Samson and his grandson Chris Hernandez.