Man on a Mission: Andy Stumpf’s Charity Jump

Jason Lewis (L) and Andy Stumpf (R)

Man on a Mission: Andy Stumpf’s Charity Jump
Written by Jaimie Bougie

Andy Stumpf is a Man on a Mission.

Between now and Veterans Day (11/11/15), Andy has embarked on the monumental goal of raising $1,000,000 for the Navy SEAL Foundation Survivor Support Program. To help promote this mission and to honor the friends and families of fallen soldiers, Andy will be jumping from above 37,265 feet in an attempt to break not one but four high altitude wingsuit world records.

The idea behind this mission grew from a personal tragedy in Andy’s life. While in Navy Seal training, Andy met a fellow soldier named Jason Lewis and the two became fast friends. The two friends worked closely together for the first five years of their Navy careers, and even stood up in each other’s weddings.

Sadly, during a deployment in Iraq, Jason Lewis’s vehicle was struck by an IED (improvised explosive device) and he was killed. Jason’s untimely death was absolutely devastating to both Andy and the family that he left behind.

After retiring from the Navy, Andy felt that there was still more that he could do for the military, so he began training pararescue jumpers for the US Air Force. But even after doing that, Andy still felt like there was more that he had to give. And that is when his new mission began.

The Navy SEAL Foundation exists to preserve the legacy of fallen heroes, and to support the families of those who have sacrificed more than anyone should be asked to. The Foundation’s programs encompass survivor support, tragedy assistance, legacy preservation, warrior support and educational opportunities and are only made possible through the donations of grateful Americans. Jason’s widow and children are a few among many who are actively being supported by the Foundation. The $1,000,000 that Andy hopes to raise will support the Survivor Support Program for the entire 2016 fiscal year.

The potential record breaking jump will be the most dangerous flight of Andy’s life, pushing him to both his physical and mental limits. A former member of the CrossFit HQ and Seminar staff, Andy has been training at CrossFit Chula Vista in preparation for the jump and hopes to attempt the event sometime between now and November 1st. Many variables go into planning such a dangerous jump, including winds aloft and weather temperatures, so Andy is always watching the calendar and weather forecast in order to find the best jump date possible.

Invictus is proud to support Andy’s efforts of honoring the memory and legacy of these heroes who sacrificed everything for the freedom of this country. We ask that you spread the word of this charity event with all of your friends and family and help us raise awareness for this amazing cause.

 

For more information on Andy’s charity jump or to donate, check out Andy’s GoFundMe page at Man on a Mission.