Florida Health Care Association Hosts Dream Flights in Tallahassee to Honor Long Term Care Veterans in FHCA and FALA Centers

Tallahassee, Fla. - The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today partnered with Dream Flights in Tallahassee to area local veterans with free flights of a lifetime in restored World War II-era biplanes, the same aircraft used to train aviators during WWII. Veterans participating reside in both FHCA member nursing centers and in assisted living communities of FHCA and its “Caring Together” partner, the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA).

Dream Flights’ mission is to give back to those who gave. During a 20-minute flight, Dream Flyers experience the freedom and exhilaration of soaring 1,000 feet in the air in an iconic, open-cockpit-biplane. Prior to the takeoff, the Dream Flyers were presented with FHCA challenge coins and received medals from the Florida Veterans Foundation. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Dream Flights to honor these veterans and thank them for their dedication and sacrifice to our country,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “The flights are especially meaningful heading into Veteran’s Day weekend. It’s a privilege to watch these heroes once again take flight as we honor their service to our nation.” 

“Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans, and many of our state's nursing centers have the honor of caring for these heroes,” said Bob Asztalos, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and FHCA District X Secretary. “Each day, our centers strive to give back to those who gave everything in service to our country. Today is such a special day as we honor their bravery and service to this great nation.”

Dream Flyers honored at the Tallahassee Dream Flights event include: 

Captain Roger P. Murray, Robert H. Jenkins Veterans Domiciliary Home in Lake City: Captain Murray is an 84-year-old Navy veteran. He served as a Naval aviator and helicopter pilot in Vietnam and is a Bronze Star recipient. He served from 1959-1991. 

Leigh Fairbank III, Allegro Senior Living in Tallahassee: Mr. Fairbank is an 84-year-old Army veteran who served as a parachute jumper from 1958-1983.

Robert Anderson, Allegro Senior Living in Tallahassee: Mr. Anderson is a 96-year-old Army veteran who served as Baker Battery Commander for the 81st Triple A Battalion from 1951-1983.

Russell Fulmer, Robert H. Jenkins Veterans Domiciliary in Lake City: Mr. Fulmer is an 89-year-old Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War as an Airman 1 Class and Electrical Technician on B-47 Bombers.

Charles DeGear, Robert H. Jenkins Veterans Domiciliary in Lake City: Mr. DeGear is a 95-year-old Army veteran who served in World War II in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic and technical inspector on B-17 Bombers.

Cortez Mays, Arabella Health & Wellness in Carrabelle: Mr. Mays is a 49-year-old Marine Corps Veteran who served in both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. His service to his country continued upon his return home, where he helped with the dedication ceremonies for the American and POW flags at the Carabelle American Legion.

Following the flights, Dream Flyers received a signed Dream Flights baseball hat, and friends and family gathered around the Stearman for a group photo. Charles DeGear, a World War II Veteran, had the honor of signing the Stearman tail. Hunter Stuckey was the Tallahassee Dream Flights pilot, along with Dream Flights ground crew Jenny Garza, a former long term caregiver and senior care consultant. Stuckey is a commercial pilot for FedEx Corporation, and both volunteer their time to fly veterans in the country's largest fleet of restored/fully operational Stearman biplanes.

Since 2011, Dream Flights has honored more than 7,000 veterans and seniors living in long-term care communities. In 2021, Dream Flights launched Operation September Freedom, the largest barnstorming event in U.S. history and its first to honor veterans who served in a particular war. During the 61-day tour, Dream Flights landed in 333 cities in 47 states to honor 891 World War II heroes with free Dream Flights.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2024

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