MCMINNVILLE, Ore. (KATU) — In three days, Arlene Mary Frank Edwards will celebrate her 78th birthday, but this milestone is not the most exciting part of her week.
On Tuesday, the former Vietnam combat nurse sat in the front seat of a Boeing Stearman biplane.
She was one of the few war veterans from the entire state of Oregon who was honored to take a ride in a biplane in McMinnville.
Edwards said the opportunity was particularly exciting for her.
“I thought it was really cool when I was invited because for the most part, we Vietnam veterans were kind of pushed aside. Just shut up and walk away. Especially me, as a nurse, was definitely not included,” she said. “It’s like some people didn’t know there were nurses in Vietnam.”
Tuesday’s flights were made possible through a partnership between The Springs Living and the nonprofit organization Dream flights.
This is the fifth year they have been taking veterans to heaven.
“I’m on cloud nine today to be able to hang out and honor veterans who have done so much for us,” said Darryl Fisher, founder and president of Dream Flights. “In my world, there’s just nothing better than thanking them for their service and honoring them during this season of their lives.”
The oldest pilot on Tuesday turned 100 years old. After his flight, he was given a special honor. He was allowed to sign the tail of the plane, a tradition for 100-year-old veterans.
