Tampa Veteran And Former Navy Pilot Takes Dream Flight

TAMPA, FL — Fred Fuchs, a resident of Tampa Gardens Senior Living, was recently given a boarding pass to take a special flight — A Dream Flight, whose motto is giving back to those who gave.

Fuchs volunteered for the Dream Flight after Mortello Law, a local law firm, offered the opportunity for a free flight. Fuchs, a Naval pilot in the Korean War, had always longed to take to the skies once again, and thanks to Dream Flights, his dream came true.

“The experience was amazing for my father,” said Fuchs's daughter, Caroline. “He doesn’t get excited about a lot of things but this one he was absolutely on board for. The ladies at Tampa Gardens were terrific. Tammi Rix and Valerie, the receptionist, brought a busload of people from Tampa Gardens which completely blew me and my dad away. They were our cheerleading squad. It was an all-around great experience.”

Dream Flights, a local veteran-based nonprofit since 2011, operates out of Peter O’Knight Airport.

Fuchs flew in a 1940 Blue Stearman which is a Boeing Airplane made in Wichita, Kansas. He spent 20 minutes in the air over Tampa Bay while his cheering section, his daughter and 11 of his fellow residents from Tampa Gardens Senior Living watched from below.

The group enjoyed the outing and was treated to a free lunch at the airport. For more information about Tampa Gardens Senior Living, click here.