Six Visalia Veterans Take to the Skies in WWII-Era Biplane

On Monday, April 20, six residents of Quail Park on Cypress in Visalia experienced the "flight of a lifetime" as they soared above the city in a fully restored Boeing Stearman biplane.

This special event was hosted by Dream Flights, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring military veterans and seniors with 15-minute flights in the same aircraft used to train U.S. Navy and Army pilots during World War II.

This year's participants included a distinguished group of veterans with a combined legacy of service across multiple branches of the military:

• Marilyn Hughes, who served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Reserve;

• Jack Riley, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War;

• Richard Ortega, who served in the U.S. Army;

• Tim Scott, who served as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps;

• Rick Chapell, who served in the U.S. Air Force; and

• James Stewart, who served four years in the U.S. Navy.

The biplane made its flights from the Visalia Municipal Airport.

Dream Flights is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor our nation's senior veterans and heroes by providing them with the experience of flying in a Boeing Stearman biplane. Since its founding in 2011, Dream Flights has honored thousands of veterans across the country.

Dream Flights operates a fleet of six iconic biplanes, including the "Red Duster" (built in 1944) and "The White Plane" (built in 1942), which were instrumental in training military aviators for WWII. These flights provide senior veterans with a unique opportunity to reconnect with their history and enjoy the freedom of flight once more.

"We are honored to support our residents as they take part in this incredible experience," said Trevin Willis, Quail Park on Cypress executive director. "Providing a platform to recognize the service of our resident veterans is a highlight for our entire community."

Quail Park on Cypress, an active aging community, is located at 4520 W. Cypress, Visalia.