Minn. Lt. Gov. To Skydive With Army Parachutist

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon will tandem skydive with a member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team from an altitude of more than two miles, with plans to land on the State Capitol mall.

The Governor's Office announced the jump Thursday. It's taking place next Tuesday in conjunction with Community Covenant, a nationwide initiative started in 2008 to show support to military families.

A spokesman says the 66-year-old Prettner Solon has never before skydived. A tandem jump means she'll be physically attached to an Army parachutist.

A plane carrying Prettner Solon is scheduled to leave St. Paul's Holman Field at 1:30 p.m. She's scheduled to be on solid ground by 2:20, with plans to hold a press conference after she lands.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)