LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville milliner is leaving for Europe this week to jump out of a plane in Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Nicole Finch, 38, has lived in Louisville for almost a decade. She was born in New Orleans and is now the owner of Magnolia Millinery in Kentucky.
Her father was in the U.S. military for 25 years in the Army National Guard and served in Afghanistan when Finch was a child.
"You're watching cartoons and then Dad comes in and changes it to the History Channel," Finch said. "I used to try to leave and he'd be like sit down. I used to get so mad as a child but as I got older and grew up I started to realize how important that part of history is."
Her father's appreciation of history grew on Finch.
Nicole Finch and her father visited Europe in 2018 with the Band of Brothers Tour.
In 2018, they traveled to Europe together and toured historic World War II sites on the Band of Brothers Tour. It's an 11-day tour that takes people around battle sites in Europe.
"It was incredible, it was life changing to where now I'm going to jump out of planes," Finch said.
She learned about the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. While it was a two-year waitlist, it timed up perfectly for her.
Finch went to Oklahoma in October to get enough jumps to qualify for the team.
"I was prepared for it to be difficult, but it was really intense mentally and physically," Finch said. "But we train and train and train. So when you go out that door, muscle memory kicks in even if you don't remember leaving the door, your muscle memory kicks in."
After seven practice jumps, she's now prepared to jump from a World War II C-47 in Normandy, while wearing the same military uniforms from years ago.
"It's like walking back into that era," Finch said. "And we do everything period correct."
The jump will be on the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. The landings on June 6, 1944 in Normandy led to the liberation of France and Europe from Nazi Germany occupation. A total of 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day itself, including 2,501 Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded.
"This one truly is the last big anniversary before they're gone," Finch said. "So it's important to me to meet those guys, listen to their stories. So that way, when I go back, whether it be in two years, five years, 10 years, I'll be able to continue to share their stories."
Finch is one of 49 Americans jumping on June 6. Each of them will be carrying an extra 84 pounds when they jump.
Nicole Finch prepares to jump out of a plane.
Every practice jump involved a World War II plane with pictures of veterans near the exit.
"You're super nervous," Finch said. "And then you look up at the walls and you see these guys. They were kids, 17, 18, some younger and they did it under fire in the dead of night. Not getting dropped where they're supposed to be dropped. So I feel like once you realized you don't have to worry about anyone shooting at you, it makes you think well if they did it under these conditions, I can certainly do it."
If the weather cooperates, Finch said it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"I'm excited to get back there," Finch said. "Especially for the 80th. I think it's going to be absolutely incredible."
Finch leaves on Thursday for Europe. She's scheduled to jump three times in Normandy, barring the weather. If the team can jump all three, it'll be her 10th jump on June 6, 2024.
Finch was the only female in her Parachute School class. She is not a veteran. For enrollment dates and application requirements, click here.
You can follow the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team's journey on Facebook and Instagram.
Finch also works at Spendthift Farm in Lexington.
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