Belle Plaine resident veterans soar the skies
The number of times Clarence Francis has climbed into a plane is unthinkable. As a former pilot and flight instructor, it was something he just did. However, the most recent time he climbed into plane was a little bit different.
Clarence, who is 98 and served in the Air Force from 1941-1946, along with a group of residents from The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, recently had the opportunity to soar through the Minnesota skies in a World War II era biplane.
Clarence rolled up to the plane in his wheelchair and with assistance made his way into the front seat of the biplane. Seated behind him was Darryl Fisher, pilot, founder and president of Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2011 to honor U.S. military veterans living in long-term care facilities.
The biplane was a 1942 Boeing Stearman, the airplane used to train military aviators in the 1940’s. Each veteran enjoyed a 20 minute ride in the biplane.
Residents included Bill Fabel, 82, who served in the Army from 1958-1961; Willard Bardon, 89, who served in the Army from 1951-1952 and Dick Weber, 83, who served in the Marines from 1953-1961.
In preparation for the flight, Willard’s family had shared photos of the biplane. He wasn’t sure whether he would participate or stay on the ground. Once he saw the biplane, he volunteered to take the first ride. His daughter, Lori Steffens was able to watch and see Willard enjoy the experience.
“After I got in the plane, it was great! The hardest part was getting inside,” he said.
Next up was Bill, who quickly climbed into the biplane. He most enjoyed looking out at the different scenic views.
“We were up pretty high so I couldn’t recognize anything.
Oh man, one thing we won’t have to worry about here is a forest fire. There is water all over the place, I couldn’t believe that,” he said.
Dick opted to stay on the ground but enjoyed seeing the biplane. After each flight, each resident was given a hat signed and dated by pilot Darryl. To date, the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation has provided more than 1,500 Dream Flights to veterans nationwide.
“It was a wonderful experience for our residents,” said Spencer Beard, Administrator at The Lutheran Home Belle Plaine. “Being able to take this flight is a memory they will cherish forever. The smiles on each of their faces after returning from the flight are something I’ll never forget.”
Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation is sponsored by MatrixCare and Sports Clips.