As Joe Bevilock maneuvered his way, with assistance, into the tiny cockpit of the PT-17 World War II era plane, the crowd gathered at the edge of the tarmac erupted into applause.
Once the propellers sputtered to life, Bevilock, an Army veteran, gave a thumbs up, a huge grin splitting his face as the biplane slowly taxied down the runway, preparing to take flight into the blue skies at Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport.
He was one of six local veterans from Shelby’s TerraBella retirement home to enjoy the experience Wednesday morning. Loy Paige, who served in the Airforce Reserve, is almost 97 and the oldest veteran to participate.
A group of veterans from TerraBella retirement home got to take a flight in a World War II plane Wednesday through Dream Flights.
All across the country, Dream Flights took veterans for flights in historic World War II planes as a way to honor and recognize their sacrifices. They came from all branches and backgrounds but were united by their service to their country.
Founded in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher, the mission of Dream Flights is to give back to those who gave so much. Volunteer pilots travel the nation in the country’s largest fleet of restored and fully-operational Stearman bi-planes.
Deputies with the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office attended the event along with The Patriot Riders, a motorcycle club that is active with the veterans at TerraBella.
The PT-17 Stearman plane, used during World War II, that was used in Dream Flights. Shelby veterans had the opportunity to take a 30 minute flight in the plane on Wednesday.
Jackie Sibley-Newton, executive director of TerraBella Shelby, said several years ago, their residents were selected to be part of a group flight, but this year it was all TerraBella veterans.
TerraBella has 14 residents who are veterans. They are: Joe Roberts, Air Force; Dewitt Quin, Coast Guard; Loy Paige, Air Force Reserve; Joseph Bevilock, Army; Gary Gragg, Air Force; Harold Smith, National Guard; Dennis Towery, Army; Werner Gass, Air Force; Verlon Joe Palmer, Army; William Putnam, Navy; Steven Ramsey, Army; Cliff Cochran, Army; Tom Stone, Navy; and Bobbie Ingle, Navy.
She said it is important to honor veterans and celebrate their contributions to their country.
“We can never repay them for what they have given to us but we appreciate the opportunity to give back to them,” she said.
Darryl Smith was the pilot for the flight, said the plane is a PT-17 Stearman, built in 1937 and purchased by the government for $1,500. He said it was primarily used to train pilots during World War II and after the war, they were released for sale to the public where they were initially used as crop dusters.
“We are honored to be here to fly you,” Smith said.
Each flight took around 30 minutes from start to finish.
A group of veterans from TerraBella retirement home got to take a flight in a World War II plane Wednesday through Dream Flights.
“I think letting our veterans have this opportunity, especially at this season of their lives, lets them know how special they are,” said Sibley-Newton. “They are examples of dignity, strength and resilience. It’s an honor to serve them. I am grateful for Dream Flights and what they do for veterans. I think they all felt young again.”