During the first-ever Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy has agreed to skydive to raise money for Hurricane Helene relief. The 5-day voyage aboard Carnival Paradise will sail roundtrip from Port Tampa Bay to the Bahamas on October 19, 2024. Duffy will jump from a World War II veteran C-47 aircraft that was flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, the “Tico Belle.”
Duffy, whose goal is to raise $50,000, will partner with the Round Canopy Parachute Team, a non-profit organization that honors the accomplishments of allied paratroopers from World War II onward, to support the Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian who is best known for his portrayal of Vietnam war veteran Lt. Dan in “Forest Gump.” Sinise created the non-profit foundation which honors veterans, first responders, their families and those in need in 2011, but he has been an advocate of the military for 49 years.
“I’ve never jumped from an airplane before, so I think this effort is worth at least $50,000 for the Gary Sinise Foundation and their efforts to support military and first responders assisting with hurricane relief,” said Duffy. “Saying that Carnival is America’s Cruise Line and the favorite cruise line for active-duty military and military veterans is one thing, showing it is another story, and I’m always ready to jump at the chance to prove it!”
SFLI has chartered Carnival Paradise and partnered with Dream Vacations, the Gary Sinise Foundation, USSOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Demonstration Team and the Round Canopy Parachute Team to ensure special forces alumni, their families, Gold Star families, their friends and Green Berets that have served from the Korean War to present day can have an epic experience and enjoy “a reunion at sea.”
If you would like to help Duffy reach the $50,000 goal for Hurricane Helene relief, you can donate here.