‘Unbelievably emotional’: Eight Nebraska veterans get opportunity of a lifetime in the sky

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A group of Nebraska veterans took to the skies on Wednesday, proving it’s never too late for one more adventure.

The Nebraska Healthcare Association partnered with Dream Flights to give eight retired Nebraskan service members the opportunity of a lifetime.

“We’re just saying thank you for their sacrifice, their service,” said Darryl Fisher, the pilot. “They gave us our freedom.”

Fisher gave the veterans a free ride in a World War II-era Boeing Stearman biplane, including 100-year-old Ted Monroe Mills, who fought for his country during the war.

“Cars looked like ants going down the road, and we saw the Capitol,” Mills said. “It was a great flight, a little windy, but I’d do it again.”

The plane symbolizes the sacrifice the veterans made for all of us.

“I just have to pinch myself to say I get to do this because I get to hang out with people like Ted and Clayton, who have done so much for me and now I’m getting a chance to do a little something for them,” Fisher said. “At a point in their life when they’re not thinking about flying in an open cockpit biplane. They come alive, their families come alive. It’s just such an emotional thing.”

Governor Jim Pillen and Director of Veterans’ Affairs John Hilgert joined the celebration.

Families cheered on their loved ones and greeted them with signs and a smile.

Clayton West, a Korean War veteran, threw his hands in the air as he got off the plane.

“It was wonderful, a great flight, I enjoyed it,” West said. “Everything went well. I’m so happy for all of those who participated and made this possible. I’m really grateful.”

Those who served in WWII got to sign their names on the end of the plane, representing their lasting legacy for years to come.

For everyone involved, it was an experience they will never forget.

“When Clayton got off that plane, his smile was priceless,” said Jalene Carpenter, the President of Nebraska Healthcare Association. “It was unbelievably emotional. They said Clayton is a very quiet guy, and he didn’t look quiet. His smile told everything.”