Soldier Sets New Wing Suit World Record in tandem with the 97th Air Mobility Wing

Altus AFB, OK-As excitement grew Staff Sergeant Ben Borger soared through the gleaming blue skies over the fields of Altus Air Force Base breaking the current world record for the distance flown in a wing suit flight.

Borger exceeded all expectations today when he made a frigid 45 degree below zero leap from the US Air Force C-17 from an altitude of 32 thousand feet. From the point of exit to landing he flew 11.5 miles in 6 minutes 35 seconds beating his own record of 10 miles at winter training in Yuma, Az. last year.

 Tuesday prior to the jump CPT Bryan Bailey from the 58^th Airlift Squadron, conducted an intensive mission briefing to ensure all bases were covered. There were medical briefings, special oxygen mask fittings, weather checks and a final walk through of the immense jump platform. Cpt Cristy Zahn the Aerospace Physiologist gave a very through Physiological brief explaining all of the details involving hypoxia prevention. Borger and his in flight team safety representative and Halo team jumpmaster SFC Arlan Slade and each crew member had to be prefitted with two special oxygen masks for the historical flight. 

CPT Bailey and CPT Jesse Newberry piloted the enormous chariot of steel in a 35 mile circumference surrounding the drop zone. While climbing to altitude, Flight surgeon, LtCol Randy McCalip and SSG Calvin Jones the Phystechs from the 19^th Aerospace Medical Squadron safeguarded the crew and were instrumental in assuring this mission was successful.  

Borger joined the Army in 2002 as an Infantryman and served in Iraq for 14 months while assigned to the 25^th Infantry Division in Hawaii. After successfully completing the intense Assessment and Selection Program Borger was assigned to the team as a Black Team Demonstrator who is continually telling the Army’s story by reaching out and touching the American public. Every weekend they travel across the country connecting the American people with America’s Army.

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