SPOTLIGHT: THE HEART OF SENIOR LIVING
Dream Flights Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor with Special Flight in World
War II Biplane By Stephanie Robert
Two veterans from World War II are pictured above with a member of the Dream Flights team. The pair are among the 5,000-plus seniors and veterans honored with free Dream Flights since 2011.
to George Coburn for his heroic service during World War II. On Dec. 7, 2022, at Oceanside Municipal Airport, Coburn em- barked on an experience unlike any other - a free dream flight aboard an iconic 1944 World War II-era biplane. This remarkable 102-year-old San Diego native is one of the few remaining survivors from the USS Oklahoma’s crew, so this special occasion offered an opportunity to celebrate his con- tributions and his life.
O
n the 81st anniversary of a day that changed history, Dream Flights paid a special tribute
Some 429 crew of the USS Oklahoma perished during the Pearl Harbor attack by Japanese forces, tying together the date with Coburn’s service for the special flight. Family, friends, and members of the com-
munity assembled to honor this courageous veteran as Coburn carefully climbed into the open-cockpit biplane with assistance from Dream Flights’ volunteer crew who were there every step of the way to en- sure he flew safely. Once he was buckled in, and his canvas helmet was securely in place, Darryl Fisher, Dream Flights founder and pilot, gave the thumbs up and taxied
48 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023
down the runway to take off for an amazing 20-minute journey. Coburn enjoyed a bird’s eye view of beautiful San Diego while soaring 1,000 feet above family and friends. Upon landing, he was smiling from ear to ear, according to Fisher. He felt more joy and excitement than he has in a long time. Then, at the conclusion of his Dream
Flight, Coburn ceremoniously signed his name on the tail of the plane. This has been a Dream Flights tradition that started during last year’s Operation September Freedom. During that historic 61-day tour,
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