Sponsored Veteran Spotlight: Michael Villagran
Provided by Citizen Watch.
Michael Villagran: Experienced Jumper Builds Brotherhood with Each Jump
As an accomplished jumper, Michael Villagran thought he knew what to expect from his weekend with Jump for Valor.
“Before Jump for Valor, I had completed two tandem jumps, one solo jump and more than 20 static line jumps, so I had a good idea of what I was getting into,” he shared. “Tandem jumping has always been special to me because you don’t even have to worry about pulling the parachute – you can just get lost in the experience.”
Michael joined the U.S. Army in 2010 as part of the 82nd Airborne 1-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment stationed in North Carolina. In 2012, he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghanistan, and after four years of limb salvage, his right leg was amputated. Since then, Michael has continued to live his life to the fullest, becoming a full-time single dad to three girls, a para-skeleton slider for Team USA, an ambassador to Building Homes for Heroes and an avid sitting volleyball player.
But despite his busy schedule, Michael knew he couldn’t say no to a chance to jump with a group of fellow veterans.
“When I discovered my tandem partner was an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper like I was, it became an entirely different experience,” Michael said after his jump. “Not only did it help me open up more and connect with the other veterans at the event, but it also made me feel like a little bit like a badass doing these jumps with my fellow brother in arms.”
Plus, he says the shocked looks on the faces of the other veterans who were new to jumping made the experience all the more fun.
“I strongly believe that all types of veterans would benefit from skydiving,” Michael said. “The jump itself gives you a moment of clarity, and with Jump for Valor, preparing to make the jump alongside other veterans helped me feel even more welcome and relaxed. If nothing else, veterans participating in Jump for Valor at least get the chance to try something new and connect with fellow veterans familiar with their experiences.”
About Jump for Valor x Citizen Watch
Michael was able to experience his tandem jump with Jump for Valor thanks to sponsorship from Citizen Watch. He, along with other veterans, participated in the Jump for Valor Boogie at Skydive Suffolk in Suffolk, Virginia, over Veterans Day Weekend 2021. As part of the program, ten veteran participants received free tandem skydives and complementary Citizen Watch timepieces courtesy of Citizen Watch.