LAS CRUCES – World War II veteran John Bloom, 96, took to the skies in a restored Boeing Stearman biplane on Tuesday in salute to his military service.
He climbed easily into the open cockpit and waved to the audience as pilot Molly Littlefield rolled the plane onto the runway for takeoff.
Dream Flights is a non-profit organization that aims to honor veterans with free flights. Your efforts in 2021, Operation September Freedom, are aimed at honoring 1,000 or more World War II veterans, all now at least 90 years old.
More:“We never let go”: The Las Cruces couple looks back on 75 years together
Bloom, originally from Albuquerque, served in the United States Army Air Force. He retired to Las Cruces and now resides with the Good Samaritan Society – Las Cruces Village. He found out about the flight program through the senior citizens’ residence and turned out to be the only resident who responded to the request.
The planes are the same that were used to train airmen in World War II. Many later became dusters or sprayers used in agriculture.
The double-decker took off from Las Cruces International Airport on a scenic flight through the area that took around 20 minutes. Bloom said he discovered Picacho Peak, Organ Mountain High School, and the house he and his wife built in the 1990s when they moved to town.
“Oh boy,” said Bloom when the flight was over. He received applause as his feet hit the ground again and he smiled as he talked about what he had seen.
Molly and Keith Littlefield were the flight crew on Tuesday – both retired pilots. They have volunteered with Dream Flights and have flown more than 30 World War II veterans to date, with about 30 more being canceled by the end of the month.
“Now is the time to honor them,” Molly said of the veterans. “We really enjoy this privilege – my husband and I – to fly from state to state, city to city in search of WWII veterans.”
Molly’s father was a flight instructor during World War II and she first learned to fly in a similar plane that was flown Tuesday. She spent both she and Keith saying it was worthwhile to witness the excitement of the veterans.
Molly can see the passenger from the pilot’s seat through a mirror. She said Bloom would look everywhere and point out places he knew.
More:Here are the 90 New Mexico soldiers who have died since 9/11
After the flight, Bloom was presented with an Operation September Freedom hat signed by Molly. Then he has to sign the tail of the plane – something everyone who takes part in the flights is allowed to do. By the end of the month, Molly said the six planes that are part of the WWII Veterans effort will be made up of the largest collection of names and signatures from WWII veterans. The signed tails are removed and displayed.
Now, the Littlefields will travel to Albuquerque, Colorado, northern Arizona, Utah and end in southern California by the end of September.
But it’s not too late to submit a name for recognition. People can register for Operation September Freedom online at dreamflights.org. Dream Flights is fully funded by donations so those interested in supporting the honor flights can do so online.
Leah Romero is the trend reporter for Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached on Twitter at 575-418-3442, [email protected] or @rromero_leah.
Others read:
Comments are closed.