TAFT, Calif. — The United States Parachute Association estimates that more than 300,000 people skydive in a typical year.

28 Kern County veterans can now be added to that list as the organization, Comrades and Canopies , took local vets to new heights on Saturday at Skydive Taft .

Multiple times a year the organization takes vets, free of charge, on skydiving trips at Skydive Taft. Any and all vets are welcome.

Organizers say skydiving is a way to build comradery and reinvigorate local vets who may be struggling at home.

The oldest veteran to take the jump was a first-time skydiver and Korean War vet who turns 84 this week.