At 102, Vivian “Millie” Bailey Takes to the Skies — and Inspires a Nation

She’s truly soaring to new heights!

At 102 years old, Vivian “Millie” Bailey continues to prove that age is just a number. The World War II veteran and lifelong community servant decided to cross off a major item from her bucket list — skydiving — and she did it with the confidence and courage of someone half her age.

Bailey’s jump took place on a bright Sunday afternoon near Baltimore, and it wasn’t just a thrill-seeking stunt — it was the realization of a long-held dream. Inspired by former President George H.W. Bush, who famously went skydiving on his 90th birthday, Bailey told WJLA she thought, “If he can do it at that age, why can’t I?”

“I was inspired by the fact that he did it,” Bailey said. “The fact that a person at that age could do the jump.” (WJLA News, 2020)

---

A Leap of Faith for a Lifelong Hero

Bailey’s skydiving adventure was organized as part of the Discovery Networks’ “Honor Flight Heroes” series, which documents the stories of American veterans. During the interview, when producers asked if there was something she had always wanted to do but never had, Bailey immediately replied, “Go skydiving!”

The production team loved the idea so much that they decided to make it happen — and cover the cost of the jump, which normally runs about $300.

“You couldn’t ask for a more thrill-packed ending to the episode,” said Eric J. Roberts, executive producer of Honor Flight Heroes. “Millie would be the first 102-year-old person on Mars if it could be arranged!” (WJLA)

At Skydive Baltimore, Bailey peppered her instructor, Cornelius, with questions before the big moment. “Do you push me out before you come out?” she joked, to which the instructor laughed, “If you want to go on a real adventure, but I think we should stick together.”

When she finally took the plunge, her family and friends — some watching through tears — cheered as she floated gracefully back to the ground.

“It was wonderful, a real thrill!” Bailey said after landing. “I was scared for one minute; it felt like I was tumbling, and then I thought, somebody is holding onto me.” (ABC News, 2020)

---

From the Army to the Skies

Bailey’s fearlessness has deep roots. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she joined the U.S. Army during World War II when opportunities for Black Americans — especially women — were scarce. According to The Washington Post, Bailey enlisted in 1942 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a second lieutenant in April 1943 and later a first lieutenant in charge of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) detachment at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Her military service came at a time when segregation was still the norm in the armed forces. Yet Bailey thrived, demonstrating exceptional leadership and determination. “Going to officer candidate school was a very high honor,” she recalled, describing it as one of the proudest moments of her military career. She served until 1946, helping pave the way for greater inclusion of women and people of color in the military.

---

A Life of Service Beyond the Uniform

Even after leaving the Army, Bailey never stopped serving others. Now living in Columbia, Maryland, she has spent decades organizing community programs, mentoring young people, and sending care packages to deployed troops overseas — a mission she started more than 20 years ago.

Her nephew Martin Johnson estimated that she has sent more than 14 tons of care packages to service members stationed around the world.

“Two weeks ago, I took six boxes that were shipped to Afghanistan,” Johnson told WJLA. “She just keeps giving. That’s Aunt Millie.”

One of those grateful recipients, Christopher Williams, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2017, said Bailey’s kindness left a lasting impact.

“She followed me the whole way from Afghanistan to Iraq and sent me handwritten notes,” Williams said. “When I came home, I got to meet her — it was one of the best things ever.” (CNN, 2020)

---

Still Making a Difference at 102

Residents and staff at Bailey’s assisted living community describe her as vibrant, witty, and independent. She still walks daily, reads voraciously, and stays involved in local volunteer efforts. “She’s proof that age doesn’t limit purpose,” one staff member told The Baltimore Sun.

Bailey’s story has since gone viral, inspiring people across the country with her courage, optimism, and sense of humor. “Life is to be lived,” she told The Washington Post. “If you have something you’ve always wanted to do, do it. Don’t wait too long.”

As for what’s next, Bailey laughed when asked if she plans to top her skydiving adventure. “I think I’ve done enough for now,” she said with a smile. “But you never know!”

---

You’re an inspiration to us all, Ms. Bailey — proof that bravery, joy, and generosity can truly last a lifetime.