Making the News and Dreams Come True at Melody Living Colorado Springs

Melody Living Veterans Soar with Dream Flights in World War II-Era Biplane

At Melody Living in Colorado Springs, we believe in celebrating life, honoring legacy, and creating unforgettable moments for our residents. This week, that commitment took to the skies as five of our assisted living veteran residents experienced the thrill of flying in a restored World War II-era Stearman biplane, thanks to our life enrichment team’s coordination with the nonprofit Dream Flights.

Honoring Veterans with the Flight of a Lifetime

On Wednesday, September 17, friends, family, and community members gathered at JetCenters of Colorado at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport to witness a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Five brave veterans from Melody Living stepped into the open cockpit of the historic aircraft, the same model once used to train aviators during World War II, for a 15-minute flight soaring 1,000 feet above Colorado Springs.

The honored veterans included:

• Andy McDermott – Sgt. U.S. Army, served in Korea, taking this flight at 93 years old.
• Richard Hood – SMSgt. U.S. Air Force, served 27 years, taking this flight at 78 years old.
• Tom Kirles – Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard Chaplain, with 27 years of service, taking this flight at 76 years old.
• Henry McIntosh – LT U.S. Navy, served 7 years in Vietnam, taking this flight at 81 years old.
• Lawrence “Ozzie” Oswald – ET2 U.S. Navy, served 4 years active duty and 4 years in reserves, taking this flight at 85 years old.
  
  

Each veteran was greeted by applause, smiles, and the proud cheers of loved ones as they prepared to climb into the plane for their flight. Following their airborne adventure, they received signed Dream Flights baseball caps from their pilots and gathered for photos with the iconic Stearman.

The Magic of Dream Flights

Founded in 2011, Dream Flights is dedicated to “giving back to those who gave.” Their volunteer pilots—many of whom are veterans themselves—fly the largest fleet of restored Stearman biplanes in the country, offering unforgettable experiences to senior veterans and residents in communities like Melody Living.

“The Dream Flight experience is pure magic,” shared Dream Flights Founder Darryl Fisher. “I can’t think of a better way to thank our veterans for their service than by giving them an adventure they never thought possible at 70, 80, or 90 years old. Dream Flights proves you’re never too old to dream and you’re never too old to have fun.”

Enrichment Beyond the Everyday

This opportunity was made possible by Melody Living’s Life Enrichment team, whose dedication ensures residents not only enjoy meaningful daily programming but also once-in-a-lifetime adventures like this. By building a partnership with Dream Flights, our team created a memory that honors each veteran’s service while enriching their lives in a powerful and joyful way.

Our efforts also connected this story with the wider community, with local news coverage from KRDO, KKTV, and FOX21 News helping share the veterans’ inspiring flights across Southern Colorado.

Melody Living’s Commitment to Life in Harmony™

“At Melody Living, we are committed to celebrating and enriching the lives of our residents every day,” said Executive Director, Chia Gingerich. “Partnering with Dream Flights allows us to honor our veterans in an unforgettable way by giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience that recognizes their service, courage, and spirit. These flights are more than just a ride in the sky; they are a powerful tribute to their legacy and a reminder that adventure and appreciation have no age limit.”

Continuing a Legacy of Honor

Dream Flights has honored more than 7,500 veterans and seniors nationwide. In 2021, the organization launched Operation September Freedom, the largest barnstorming event in U.S. history, honoring nearly 900 World War II veterans across 333 cities. The tradition of veterans signing their names on the tail of the plane continues today, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience for future generations.

At Melody Living Colorado Springs, we are humbled to partner in this mission. Watching our veterans take flight was a poignant reminder that their stories continue to inspire—and that dreams can truly take wing at any age.