Don Poole, a 97-year-old veteran from Iowa, made his first-ever parachute jump this June, and he chose a place filled with history and heartache: Normandy, France. Don never jumped in combat himself. This jump was a tribute to his late brother, a WWII paratrooper who did.
With Warrior Rising by his side, Don soared over the same French fields that saw the liberation of Europe 81 years ago, not as an actor, but as a brother honoring a legacy. In an interview with We Are Iowa, he put it simply:
“If anything happens, I’ve lived 97 years. But this is for him.”
Don Poole
His calm resolve and reverence brought an emotional pause to everyone present. This wasn’t just a jump. It was a moment nearly a century in the making.
Context and legacy
- Don’s military service. Though he served during WWII, Don never saw combat. His military path was different, but deeply rooted in sacrifice and service.
- Family history. His older brother served as a paratrooper, jumping into Europe as Allied forces advanced. He didn’t make it home.
- Why Normandy. For Don, this wasn’t about the thrill. It was about tribute, and keeping a promise made through time, memory and blood.
Warrior Rising’s role
This experience was made possible by Warrior Rising and its donors. As part of a larger trip to honor D-Day and celebrate living veterans, the organization made sure Don’s jump wasn’t just possible, but powerful.
“Warrior Rising exists to empower veterans to find new purpose. This trip reminded us that sometimes, that purpose begins with remembering.”
Warrior Rising
This is the power of remembrance. Help us make more moments like this possible.
About Warrior Rising
Founded in 2015, Warrior Rising is a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. Through education, mentorship and grant funding, it helps veteran entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. Learn more at warriorrising.org.