The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) collaborated with Dream Flights in Tallahassee to offer local veterans complimentary flights in restored World War II-era biplanes. These veterans reside in FHCA member nursing centers and assisted living communities, including those affiliated with the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA).
Dream Flights aims to give back to those who served. The veterans, known as Dream Flyers, experienced a 20-minute flight soaring 1,000 feet in an open-cockpit biplane. Before takeoff, they received FHCA challenge coins and medals from the Florida Veterans Foundation.
Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Dream Flights to honor these veterans and thank them for their dedication and sacrifice to our country.” Bob Asztalos of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs added, “Today is such a special day as we honor their bravery and service to this great nation.”
Honored veterans included Captain Roger P. Murray, Leigh Fairbank III, Robert Anderson, Russell Fulmer, Charles DeGear, and Cortez Mays. Each has served in various military capacities across different conflicts.
Post-flight activities included presenting signed Dream Flights baseball hats and group photos. Charles DeGear had the distinction of signing the Stearman tail. Hunter Stuckey piloted the flights alongside ground crew Jenny Garza.
Since its inception in 2011, Dream Flights has honored over 7,000 veterans and seniors in long-term care communities. In 2021, they launched Operation September Freedom to recognize World War II veterans specifically.