This article is published in loving memory of Phil Henry who was able to take this special flight before he passed away. 
Four Grove Pointe Assisted Living residents took to the skies for an adventure of a lifetime; a flight in a Boeing Stearman biplane. The experience was made possible thanks to Dream Flights, a non-profit dedicated to honoring seniors and military veterans.

Dream Flights made a special trip to Bowman Field in June to take Grove Pointe residents Victor Catalano, Army and Korean War veteran, Phil Henry, National Guard, Jack Nevin, National Guard and Jack Pohn, Army on a ride.

Phil was excited to mark an item off his bucket list. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I got the chance,” he said. “I was in the front of the plane and the pilot was in the back. It looked like I was flying the plane.”

Phil, and his wife, Barbara, lived at Grove Pointe for two years. He served six years in the National Guard.

He was surprised when the bi-plane flew into the airport. “I enjoyed the air blowing in my face, the turning of the plane and my stomach doing flip flops,” said Phil.

Dream Flights’ pilots are volunteers with extensive aviation experience. With more than 6,400 flights under their belt, they have developed a system that supports loading and unloading participants.

“The Dream Flights volunteers were unbelievable. I was wondering how I was going to get in and out of the plane. They were so supportive, and explained exactly what I needed to do,” said Phil.

Jack Nevin moved to Masonic Homes Kentucky in December 2023 and did not have to think twice when given the opportunity to fly. He served in the National Guard for eight years as a civil air patrolman. The flight was an opportunity for him to be back in an open cockpit since active service. “It was just fun being in a plane again, and I was very surprised when I realized it was a biplane,” said Jack. “It was a perfect day to fly, and the pilot even flew over the campus.”

Along with his military service, Jack worked at the Louisville Metro Police Department for 20 years. While he has only lived a Grove Pointe a short period of time, he was quick to compliment the communities’ employees on planning opportunities like Dream Flights.

“The staff at Grove Pointe are wonderful,” said Jack. “They are always coming up with fun ways to keep us active and engaged.”

Schedule a personal tour of Grove Pointe and discover all the activities and opportunities awaiting you or a loved one in our assisted living community.

September 5, 2024