MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- Before the Marine Corps, before legally becoming an adult, and before high school graduation, a young man from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., fell in love with skydiving.
When Staff Sgt. Daniel P. Flinton, chief cook at the Anderson Hall dining facility, was 17 years old, his father took him out on a little skydiving adventure in New York. The emotion he felt during that first small, static line jump would blossom into a passion that led to the fulfillment of his out-of-the-ordinary re-enlistment 12 years later.
The Corps allows Marines to choose how they want to re-enlist and who they want as their re-enlistment officer. If the idea is approved, preparations begin. For Flinton, his re-enlistment officer (Col. James E. Harbison, commanding officer of Combat Service Support Group 3) and a few friends, the idea involved an airplane, some parachutes and a bit of courage for all participants.
At that point in his life, said Flinton, he was concentrating on two things: his job in the Marine Corps and skydiving. The 29-year-old veteran of more than 300 civilian and military jumps said he decided to unite the two for a memorable experience on June 2 that would launch the next phase of his military career.
The re-up ceremony took place thousands of feet in the air. After Flinton received a discharge from the Marine Corps, all participants jumped out of the plane. Once they had safely reached the earth below, they witnessed the re-enlistment ceremony: Flinton raised his right hand and reaffirmed the oath to re-enter the Corps.
"It was great. I had all my friends and co-workers up there with me," said Flinton. "It was definitely a memorable event. I don't think anyone will ever forget it."
Friends and acquaintances said the airborne ceremony was not a huge surprise to them. All were aware of Flinton's love for skydiving and his zest for life.
"Dan [Flinton] is definitely a hard core Marine," said Randy Burke, a friend and former Marine. "He is the type of person that strives to be the best at everything he does.
Flinton also attributes his love for skydiving to three years he served as a soldier in an airborne infantry unit.
"I began my military career in the Army," said Flinton. "But I knew the Marine Corps had more to offer me, and I intend to remain in [the Corps] for 20 to 30 years."
When his career in the Corps ends, Flinton said he would like to pursue another hobby of his: cooking. He plans to open his own bakery/coffee shop.