Rowntree Gardens with Dream Flights Presents Operation September Freedom
[Orange County/Fullerton, CA – September 24, 2021] – Rowntree Gardens with Dream Flights successfully brought Operation September Freedom to Fullerton Airport on Friday, September 24, 2021. Dream Flights has set out to celebrate WWII veterans by giving them a dream flight.
Rowntree Gardens with Dream Flights was proud to bring Operation September Freedom to Fullerton Airport to honor WWII veterans across the country. Out of 16 million veterans from WWII, the estimate is that only 100,000 will be alive in 2021, with the youngest being 95.
Sponsorships and donations help fund Dream Flights making the flights free for veterans. The veterans flew on a restored Boeing Stearman biplane. The Boeing Stearman biplane is the same aircraft used to train aviators during WWII.
Two of our Community Members and a community volunteer had the opportunity to take their Dream Flights. A Navy Aircraft Machinist Mate 2nd Class, a Navy Commander, and Air Force Sergeant were WWII veterans who took their flight.
Zach, a pilot for Dream Flight, says, “Volunteering for Dream Flights and seeing the happiness of the flyers is why I love doing this.” Zach is a pilot for American Airlines and volunteers for Dream Flights during his days off.
Community Member Howard Bolten described his flight “The Dream Flight was fun, and I enjoyed looking at the city from up above. It was a great day” Mr. Bolten was in the Air Force and worked on repairing B-29s.
Navy Commander Delvin Smith had worked on the biplanes and would ride in them during training. He was so excited to be able to ride in one again. He was also happy to have his family there cheering him on.
