Taking a biplane flight can rejuvenate


veterans for a long time afterward. “It re- ally opens up their energy, it opens up the possibilities. It says to them, ‘Look, I can still do things that are cool,’” Fisher says. That renewed energy and enthusiasm


radiates to other areas of participants' lives and also affects the lives of their families and loved ones.


A legacy of flight Tim Buchanan, president and CEO of Legend Senior Living, has seen this effect first-hand. He says he has found that taking part in Dream Flights has far-reaching ben- efits for family members as well as residents. Legend Senior Living communities have participated in past Dream Flights and are signed up to take part in Operation Septem- ber Freedom. “The benefits are significant for family members who see a new part of a relative’s personality and now have lifelong memories of a wonderful experience,” he says.


“For many it’s the first time a resident


may have talked about certain experiences in their life with their family.” Physical limitations are not a barrier to


taking a flight, and veterans who use walkers and wheelchairs have been able to get in the plane with the experienced assistance of Dream Flights pilots and volunteers. “We understand how to deal with those


physical limitations, so we encourage [com- munities] not to limit; let us do that. And 99.9 percent of the time it’s perfectly fine getting them in,” Fisher says. Precautions are taken to ensure passen-


gers remain safe. Pilots don’t do aerobatics, even though many riders request it. Partic- ipants are asked to have any needed medi- cations and extra clothing on hand in case of delays or unexpected weather. The special health and safety precautions


needed during this time of COVID-19 in- fection prevention are also followed. These include sanitizing planes and equipment between each flyer.


Elevating the program Because the pilots, crew, administrators, and maintenance staff are all volunteers, Dream Flights is reliant on the involvement of peo- ple in the senior living industry. “I’d like to thank all of the senior living


professionals who provide amazing care and service to our seniors and veterans every single day,” Fisher says. “What they do is profound.” Buchanan urges his colleagues to partici-


pate in Dream Flights. “Get involved,” he says. “Even if you


only have a few riders, invite other commu- nities to join with you. Make Dream Flights a part of your giving and help support these life-changing experiences for seniors and their families.” For Fisher, there’s no better way to serve


the people who made his freedom possi- ble. Their joy becomes his joy. “To watch somebody’s very being change in a 20- to 30-minute time period is pretty special,” he says.


HOW YOUR COMMUNITY CAN ELEVATE THE EVENT


Dream Flights is asking senior living communities to find the WWII veterans among their residents and encourage them to participate in Operation September Freedom.


Up to eight veterans can be flown per day. The organization suggests having alternate flyers apply as well in case of last-minute changes.


Fisher urges communities not to prescreen potential flyers or count anyone out due to physical limitations. If there’s any doubt about a resident’s ability to take a flight, staff are encouraged to call Dream Flights and talk it over.


To help create a festive atmosphere on flight day, communities can invite color guards, VFW and youth groups,


bands, local representatives, and the media. Flyers’ family members, previous participants, other residents, and staff can come to the flight location to cheer on the flyers.


Dream Flights will send media release templates in advance for communities to adapt for their local event.


Some communities have provided snacks, water, or lunches or asked local restaurants and grocery stores to donate refreshments.


To nominate a veteran—or if you are a veteran who wants to take a flight—go to DreamFlights.org/honor. Applications need to be submitted by the end of May 2021.


MAY/JUNE 2021 ARGENTUM.ORG 41


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