Prettner Solon to hit the air (literally)

Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon is scheduled to skydive with the U.S. Army on Tuesday.

In a news release, Prettner Solon says she'll join the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team, on a tandem skydive exercise in St. Paul. The group will jump from an altitude of 12,500 feet and will fall at a rate of 120 miles an hour. They'll land on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds.

"The men and women of our Armed Forces put their lives in danger every day in defense of our freedom and our way of life," Prettner Solon said in a statement. "I am honored to join the Golden Knights in this public demonstration of support for those who selflessly serve our country."

MPR News first inquired about the jump last month and a spokesman for the governor said Prettner Solon would not be involved. A spokesman for the governor says she became open to the jump after learning more about it. Jumping with one of the U.S. Army's premier skydiving units may have eased her concern.

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