URBANA, Ohio — Darryl Fisher, third-generation pilot and founder of Dream Flights, never wastes an opportunity to help out a hero.
On this day at Grimes Field Airport in Urbana, he’s giving yet another veteran the chance to fly on his restored Boeing Stearman biplane — a lasting memory for the pilot and veteran.
“We want to thank them for their service. We want to do something super special for them at a time in their life when they need it the most. We’re doing what we call Operation September Freedom. From Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, we’re going to only fly World War II veterans,” said Fisher.
Albert Carr, 96, a U.S. Army veteran from Springfield was one of nine veterans who had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the 20-minute flight.
At the end, he signed his name among the other passengers, our nation’s bravest from across the country.
“It’s a great honor because so many of the people in World War II, the 16 million, they couldn’t do this to everybody. Everybody didn’t survive of course. Even the survivors, many of them couldn’t make it to an honor of this type. This was great,” said Carr.
Fisher is the son of a military veteran and also the president of a senior retirement community in Las Vegas. He said he wants to serve those who have served this country.
“I never served in the military. I grew up in a time right after Vietnam when they were really downplaying the military and there wasn’t much going on. The way I look at it now this is my service, to those heroes,” said Fisher.
He said he hopes to continue the veteran flights tradition across all 50 states.
Fisher said the tears, joy and smiles make it all worthwhile.
“When you hear the stories directly, it’s unbelievable. I would be lying if I said there’s not a day that I don’t fly that I tear up. We’re losing them very fast so if you have an opportunity to make a difference in their life, to do something for them, say thank you, say hello,” says Fisher.
For more information about Operation September Freedom and to donate to Dream Flights, click here.
