Dream Flights Soars with Alliance Health: Senior Veterans Experience Unforgettable Flight

Norwood, MA (8/13) – In a remarkable display of gratitude and remembrance, the non-profit organization Dream Flights hosted 6 Long Term Care residents from Alliance Health at Marina Bay and Alliance Health at Maples for a day they will never forget. The event took place at Boston Executive Helicopter in Norwood, where these Veterans were treated to a dream ride in the sky aboard an open-air, two-seater World War II plane.

Veterans Take to the Skies The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Boston Executive and AEG Fuel, who provided the space, fuel, and all of the special extras like food and refreshments throughout the day, ensuring the veterans and all of their guests were well cared for. The major sponsor of Dream Flights, Sport Clips Haircuts, provided the essential funding that allows the organization to continue offering these extraordinary experiences year-round. The flights were piloted by volunteers Hunter and Jenny, who selflessly donate their time to give back to those who served our country.

The day was filled with excitement and emotion as the veterans took to the skies. Joe Beaton (Air Force, Vietnam), Robert Wilson (US Navy, Reserves), John P Connor (US Navy, Korean Vietnam War), Frederick Kelley (US Navy), James McKeeman (US Navy, Korean and Vietnam War) and William Healey (US Army Aviation) each had the opportunity to relive their flying days.

As they approached the plane, one Veteran exclaimed, “Every time I get near an airplane, I get excited!” Another, from the cockpit, could be heard shouting into the microphone inside his helmet “Single prop! That will do the job! Oh ya! I haven’t been up that high in a long time. Make as much noise as you can!” 

As one veteran concluded his flight, he expressed his gratitude to Dream Flights with, “I had confidence in the pilot! That was the big thing. What can I say? Thank you! It’s been a few years since I’ve done that.”

A Commitment to Life Enrichment This event also underscores the importance of connecting seniors with special experiences, as many Life Enrichment or Activities programs at Skilled Nursing Facilities aim to do! Events like this one pulled off with Dream Flights show that nursing homes are not just places for the sick to live and stay put, but places where thriving senior adults can experience joy, adventure, and fulfillment. The daughter of one of the Residents shared, “It’s fantastic and it’s something that is unexpected and wonderful! He served at the end of World War II on aircraft carriers in the Navy and flew! He was a pilot.” This experience, and access to other special events, enrich the lives of residents in Senior Care and stories like this help change the narrative for nursing homes. 

Administrator Cailin Gallego, who was supposed to be on vacation with her family, returned home early to attend this special event. Her dedication was evident as she shared, “Something like this doesn’t happen every day, and our resident was so thrilled to be participating! I knew I had to be here today and see his dream come true with this flight! When I saw him get down off that plane, I think he looked stronger than ever.”

Making the Day Special This incredible event was orchestrated with the help of Dream Flights team members Merilyn Chaffee and Erinn Erker, whose dedication ensured everything ran smoothly. Special thanks also go to Christopher Donovan Jr. at Boston Executive Helicopter and AEG Fuel, who played a pivotal role in making the day beyond special.

Alliance Health and Human Services has been a proud supporter of Dream Flights, donating to this worthwhile cause for several years. While this is their third time participating in the event, it was the first for their Marina Bay and Maples locations. The Activities Directors, Erika Troup (Marina Bay) and Karna Antonitis (Maples), were instrumental in coordinating the event, ensuring that their residents had the opportunity to participate despite the short turnaround time. The residents’ trust in their activities directors was evident as they embarked on this thrilling adventure.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Peter Racicot and the team at Coastal Medical Transportation Systems, who provided last-minute transportation assistance. Their professionalism and care ensured that the entire group was safely dropped off and picked up, making the day possible.

About Alliance Health and Human Services Alliance Health & Human Services is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that delivers skilled nursing and rehabilitation care for elders, quality end-of-life care and specialized therapeutic foster care programs for at-risk children. We are dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of elders and children. To learn more, visit our website at alliancehhs.org. 

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CONTACT:

Carly Ring

Director of Marketing & Sales

Alliance Health Management Services

CRing@AllianceHMS.org

(203) 804-8919