In a world that moves quickly and often forgets yesterday’s heroes, one organization continues to slow down, look up, and give something truly extraordinary back to those who’ve given so much. Since 2011, Dream Flights has taken more than 7,369 senior veterans into the skies aboard a WWII-era Boeing Stearman biplane. These open-cockpit adventures offer more than just a ride—they offer connection, memory, healing, and above all, joy.
In recent weeks alone, Dream Flights has celebrated some unforgettable heroes across the country—each one with a story that could fill volumes.
A Legend at 104: Tom Lambie
When 104-year-old Tom Lambie, a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, climbed into the front seat of the Stearman, it wasn’t his first flight—but it might’ve been his most special. Tom flew 50 combat missions over the Mediterranean in a P-38 Lightning and later trained pilots on B-17 bombers. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Tom’s military legacy is etched in history. But that didn’t stop him from joking with his pilot, Mike, post-flight: “You better
take me up a few more times until I get it right!”
After landing, Tom signed the tail of the aircraft—a Dream Flights tradition begun during Operation September Freedom, a 61-day nationwide tour that honored members of the Greatest Generation. The pilot returned the favor by signing Tom’s logbook, cementing a bond forged in the skies.
Winslow’s Quiet Heroes Take Flight
In Winslow, Arizona, Dream Flights visited the Winslow Campus of Care, where a quiet group of predominantly Navajo veterans waited patiently on the tarmac. Among them was 91-year-old Lewis Peshlakai, an Army rifleman from 1950 to 1954 and a longtime U.S. Postal Service employee. Like many, Lewis spent his life in service—first to his country, then to his family, raising three sons. At first, the atmosphere was subdued. But as each veteran took flight, something shifted.
“There was a transformation,” said crew chief Brian Corbett. “What began as a quiet morning became a celebration of life and connection. These were sacred moments of joy—an uplifting of spirits, literally and emotionally.”
A Phantom Pilot Rises Again: Capt. Jon Mottesheard
For Captain Jon Mottesheard, an F-4 Phantom II pilot who flew three tours in Vietnam, the Dream Flight brought back powerful memories. Jon learned to fly in a crop duster, trained in everything from T-4s to T-37s, and survived being hit by a surface-to-air missile during the TET Offensive. Though his injuries ended his military flying days and still affect him, his courage has never wavered.
Sitting behind the controls again—even briefly—meant the world. “I hadn’t felt that free in years,” Jon said. “There’s something about the wind in your face that just makes you feel alive.”
After leaving the military, Jon went on to build a successful tool business, but the love of flying never left him. His flight was more than a memory—it was a reconnection with his past and a symbol of his enduring strength.
“Dreams Never Retire”
At Avista Senior Living, where volunteer pilot Mike Sommers gave multiple veterans the ride of a lifetime, the impact rippled beyond the flight deck. One staff member shared, “I watched eight residents go up and this crazy thing happened when they came down. They looked younger. Their smiles lit up the sky. What you all do brings dreams back to life—it touches a part of you that never truly grows old.”
That sentiment echoes what Darryl Fisher, Dream Flights Founder and Aviator, believes at his core, “Dream Flights isn’t just about honoring veterans—it’s about reminding them, and the world, that their stories matter. That joy has no expiration date. That dreams don’t retire just because we age. When they take flight, you see it in their eyes. It’s not about looking back; it’s about lifting up.”
The Mission Soars On
Now with 85 Dream Flights and counting just this season, the mission continues. With each takeoff, Dream Flights creates a powerful moment of recognition, healing, and celebration. The roar of the engine isn’t just sound—it’s a salute.
These moments matter. Not just to the veterans who fly, but to all of us who witness the power of honoring those who served. In a time when the world can feel divided, Dream Flights is a reminder that gratitude, joy, and the magic of flight can still bring us together—one hero at a time.
Dream Flights thrives on community support and engagement. The stories of veterans like Hank Snow and Bob Fisher resonate deeply with those who understand the sacrifices made by our military heroes. By following Dream Flights on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, supporters can stay updated on the latest news, upcoming events, and heartwarming stories from the sky.
In the words of Darryl Fisher, “Press on.” Dream Flights will continue to honor our veterans, celebrating their lives and their service, and ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten. As the organization prepares for more flights, there are more ways than ever to get involved. Donations, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities are all critical components that help keep Dream Flights soaring. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in honoring and celebrating our veterans. Visit https://dreamflights.crowdchange.co/41561 to make a donation.
