Raise your hand if you can define a barnstormer. Give up? A barnstormer is a pilot who flies from one location to another location usually performing aerial acrobatics at shows or fairs taking off and landing on a relatively smooth dirt or grass field, a flying carnival. Dream Flights’ Operation September Freedom will be the largest barnstorming event for World War II veterans. From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, six restored PT-17 Stearman biplanes will crisscross America barnstorming to fly one World War II vet at a time for 20 minutes at 1,000 feet in the open cockpit biplane. OSF is Dream Flights’ last official mission to honor these men and women for their bravery and service. There are fewer than 150,000 WWII veterans remaining. Dream Flights plans to honor more than 1,000 of these heroes during OSF. The magic of a Dream Flight inspires vets to begin talking about their experiences from more than seven decades ago. After your vet’s flight have your video recorder ready to preserve their stories for future generations. (One of my regrets is that I didn’t ask my dad more questions.) Every American can be a part of this event. First, if you know a WWII vet, go to https://bit.ly/2RFEl4Z (dreamflights.org) and enter the vet’s information. Second, encourage everyone you know to support this historic mission by donating. Dream Flights never charges veterans or their families for a flight so every dollar donated helps these volunteers fulfill the mission of giving back to those who fought for our freedom. Go to www.dreamflights.org/donate so 1,000 vets will experience their Dream Flight. Unfortunately, next year, there will be fewer vets. Third, share this information about Dream Flights with everyone you know because time is running out for our vets. Dream Flights founder and President Darryl Fisher is a third-generation aviator and senior living leader who has dedicated his career to providing care and services for seniors. Beginning in 1965 Darryl had dinner conversations with his relatives. They had the goal to improve the lives of seniors. For the past 25 years Fisher has served in various leadership positions, including chief operating officer at Sunwest Management, Inc. He was responsible for 18,000 senior residents and 12,000 employees. Today, he is one of the founders of Mission Senior Living, a senior service provider with a mission of caring people, serving people and improving lives. Fisher is privileged to work with his dedicated team developing, constructing, and managing Assisted Living, Memory Care and Independent Living communities located in Nevada, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico. He’s fortunate to lead a mission-driven and people-centered organization that promises to improve the lives of seniors and their families. That’s Fisher’s day job. Fisher is an accomplished pilot who hasn’t forgotten that he stands on the shoulders of all our WWII vets. He and his volunteers are completely rebuilding Dream Flights’ sixth Stearman in his aircraft hangar next to his home at Dayton’s municipal airport. Every bolt, nut, washer or fastener is being replaced. “We’re carrying precious cargo,” said Fisher. “Safety is our first priority, and we maintain our planes to the highest possible standard.” As you’re reading this commentary, did this question cross your mind? “Ken, how did you learn about Operation September Freedom?” I received a phone call from one of my close friends, John Hart, a member of the First Special Service Force Association, “The Black Devils.” Hart told me about Doug Ellis, whose father served in the Sixth Company of the First Regiment in the Black Devils. I called Ellis and made arrangements to meet him at Fisher’s home and aircraft hangar at the Dayton airport. At his hangar Fisher spoke to me about the coming months. The great thing about Operation September Freedom is every American can become involved thanking our WWII vets. Don’t procrastinate! There are 150,000 remaining vets from the 16 million who served. Time is not their friend. Support Operation September Freedom to honor our vets. Go to https://dreamflight.org/donate to make your contribution. Your parents did a good job raising you. Thanks.
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