Big Bend Veterans in Long Term Care Centers Honored with Dream Flights

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) partnered with Dream Flights to honor local Veterans living in long term care facilities with flights in iconic WWII-era, open-cockpit biplanes.

"These Veterans who took to the skies are the model of service to the country,” said Emmett Reed, Florida Health Care Association CEO. “FHCA and our member centers are focused on enriching the lives of the residents entrusted to our care, and it’s our honor to provide this unforgettable experience to these brave men and women. We’re thrilled to partner with Dream Flights to make this memorable experience possible for them.”

The Dream Flyers included: 

Sylvester Jackson (69), U.S. Army, PruittHealth Southwood in Tallahassee 
Mr. Jackson enjoyed his service to our country. 

Ralph Yeager (92), U.S. Air Force, Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans Domiciliary in Lake City 
Mr. Yeager served in the Air Force for three years, first assigned to kitchen detail and later assigned to the motor pool as a vehicle operator. Mr. Yeager was an Airman 1st Class when he discharged.

Janet DiSilva (90), U.S. Army, Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans Domiciliary in Lake City 
Ms. DiSilva served in the Army from 1956 to 1959, achieving the rank of Specialist 5th class (Sergeant). She was a Women's Army Corps member, working as a nurse, serving a time at Letterman Hospital.

William Thomas “Tommy” Cook, Sr. (83), U.S. Army, Blountstown Health and Rehabilitation Center
Mr. Cook proudly served in the U.S. Army. 

Robin Hasting (70), U.S. Army, RiverChase Health and Rehabilitation Center in Quincy
Mr. Hasting enjoyed his service to our country. 

Earl Jones (70), U.S. Army, Miracle Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tallahassee
Mr. Jones served in the 1st Cavalry 32nd Signal Battalion in Germany for 36 months, then transferred to Fort Hood, TX. His Military Occupational Specialty was switchboard operator and telephone installer.
 
Kelvin Pittman (65), U.S. Army, Miracle Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tallahassee
Mr. Pittman served in the 4th Infantry Mechanized at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs. His Military Occupational Specialty was 76 Delta.

Veteran residents, their families, and team members from the care centers they reside in gathered at Million Air FBO in Tallahassee for the Dream Flight experience. Each Veteran resident received a Florida Health Care Association challenge coin, a veterans service medal from the Florida Veterans Foundation, and additional recognition from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. FHCA sponsored the Dream Flights experience as a way to thank Veterans for their service ahead of Veterans Day. Dream Flyers experienced the freedom of soaring 1,000 feet in the same aircraft used to train aviators during WWII. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2025

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org