It’s all part of a program called Dream Flights, which gives veterans and former fliers a chance to not only see this beautiful aircraft up close but includes a ride aloft for a chosen few.
Dream Flights has a total of six Stearmans in their company and are currently celebrating Operation September Freedom, providing rides to some 1,000 selected veterans in all 50 states in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the ending of WWII (note the celebration was delayed last year due to covid).
Luckily, Butler made the list of stops and on today August 31st, Harold Carey and Donald Radford, both of Butler, have been selected to take a ride.
Donald Radford who is a Army Veteran that served in WW2 made the flight today in the Stearman with pilot Andrew Lohman. Donald who is 98 years young enjoyed the flight as his family looked on in excitement. The family advised us that this was his first time in a plane.
When it came to 96 year old Harold Carey he elected to stay on the ground today and not make the flight. Harold who is a Army Veteran that served under General George S. Patton in WW2 and a Purple Heart recipient just wasn't up for the flight today.
Both signed the tail of the plane with a marker which is a memorial to all the vets who flew in the plane and part of the Dream Flights events. They was then joined for a photo with all military past and present that was on hand for today's event.
Both signed the tail of the plane with a marker which is a memorial to all the vets who flew in the plane and part of the Dream Flights events. They was then joined for a photo with all military past and present that was on hand for today's event.
A huge thank you to Dream Flights and the Butler Airport along with Butler Fire Department, Butler Police Department for the escort to the airport and the wonderful staff of Medicalodge for making all this possible.
Find out more about Dream Flights Below:
View more photos from this event below:
