Foundation Seeking WWII Vets For “Dream Flights”

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation has hosted more than 2,000 “Dream Flights” since its beginnings in 2011. The foundation provides a unique experience to honor seniors and military veterans. It is a free ride in an open-cockpit Boeing Stearman biplane aircraft; the kind that World War II aviators used in training.

And right now in Mesquite and Moapa Valley, the search is on for WWII Veterans that would like to enjoy a ride in this airplane from their era.

Mesa Valley Estates Event Coordinator Elizabeth Beliaj is also a coordinator for the Ageless Dream Flights in Mesquite. Right now, Beliaj is searching for any WWII veterans interested in taking a flight.

The rides will take place in the latter part of September 2021 and they will all depart from the Mesquite Airport. The foundation is currently organizing the flight schedules and more details will be released soon.

“We have space for eleven flights,” Beliaj said. “So far I only have three veterans. So I need help to locate anyone in our area; or even in Las Vegas; who would be interested. We realize these veterans are up in age now, but that doesn’t matter.”

The specific needs of participating veterans can be accommodated by the foundation. This includes providing for wheelchair handicapped passengers, persons on oxygen, and almost any other handicap, Beliaj said.
“We don’t want these people to miss out on this opportunity,” said Beliaj.

Ageless Dream Flights was founded by Darryl and Carol Fisher in 2011. Their mission was to “Give Back to those who have Given.”

Darryl Fisher, a pilot himself, grew up in a family of aviators including his father, uncles, and grandparents. His father was involved in a business that provided care and service to the elderly. In his life the two elements of aviation and serving seniors were always together. That is how he came up with the idea for the foundation.

Beliaj is eager to fill all 11 spots on the flights out of Mesquite. She said that it is a thrill to see the pleasure the veterans get when taking this flight. Family and friends are invited to be on hand during the flight to take photos. It ends up being a great time for all, she said.

“If you know of any WWII Veterans, please tell them of this program or contact me and I will contact them, their family members, friends and neighbors,” Beliaj added. “It is such an honor for us to be able to do this for them.”

Beliaj may be reached at 307-399-7142 or by email at lizb@mesavalleyestates.net.

For more information about Dream Flights, visit dreamflights.org.