ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Ten Lehigh Valley veterans took to the skies Thursday in a World War II-era biplane as part of a national program honoring military service.
For 90-year-old Chuck Jackson, the experience was something new despite a 46-year military career that included service in Korea and Vietnam.
Jackson served as an Army Ranger, as well as in airborne and infantry units.
“I’ve never been on an airplane like that, so that was delightful,” Jackson said. “I’ve jumped out of a lot of airplanes.”
“Not this one today,” Koltnow joked.
“Not that one today,” Jackson replied.
Jackson was one of 10 veteran residents from Country Meadows who participated in flights out of Queen City Airport.
The group also included 100-year-old Navy veteran Leonard Glazer and National Guardsman Richard Bohner.
The approximately 10-minute open-air flights gave the veterans a view over Allentown and surrounding communities.
“I had a great time,” Bohner said. “The pilot takes you places that you sort of recognize.”
The flights were provided by Dream Flights, a national nonprofit organization that honors veterans and seniors through rides in vintage military aircraft.
Founder and pilot Darryl Fisher said the experience is meaningful for those giving the flights as well.
“It’s priceless,” Fisher said. “Being able to do this for them at this point in their life is just a beautiful thing. I’ve said many times, I get more out of it than they do.”
For veterans whose extraordinary lives once included military service and war, the flight offered a chance to see familiar places from a very different perspective.
Jackson said the route took him over places that have shaped his life.
“We flew over our house in Allentown, flew over the high school that I spent a lot of money supporting,” Jackson said. “I flew over Country Meadows. We just saw everything. I took a lot of pictures.”
For Jackson and the other veterans, the short flight provided more than a ride in a historic aircraft — it offered a new view of home.