Discovery Senior Living has announced a three-year partnership with non-profit organization Dream Flights, which during its 2021 Operation September Freedom tour aims to “locate members of the Greatest Generation…(and) thank them, one last time, for sacrificing their lives to ensure our freedoms” with free Dream Flights in restored Boeing Stearman biplanes. For Dream Flights, which to date has flown more than 4,200 seniors and veterans, many of whom resided in U.S. senior living and long-term care communities, this represents the first-ever partnership with a national senior living provider.
The partnership will see Discovery Senior Living, through its Discovery Makes a Difference charitable initiative, contribute financial and other resources, as well as assist in the location of eligible veterans, who will be invited to experience 20-minute Dream Flights in one of six, restored Stearman biplanes.
“Military roots run deep within our Discovery family, from myself and members of our leadership team, right on through to the brave men and women who live and work in our communities every day,” said Richard J. Hutchinson, CEO, Discovery Senior Living. “We’re proud to partner with Dream Flights and will cherish every opportunity to create indelible memories in the lives of resident seniors and so many others from around the country.”
Immediate efforts will be focused on Dream Flights’ upcoming Operation September Freedom, a historic, national barnstorming event that will run from August 1 through September 30 and aim to honor as many WWII veterans as possible with free Dream Flights. Mid-campaign, Sept. 6-11, 2021, Dream Flights crews will rendezvous at the 50th National Stearman Fly-in in Galesburg, IL, where they will honor WWII veterans. After, crews will travel back to their home bases, stopping along the way in cities and towns to honor more WWII veterans.
“Operation September Freedom may be our nation’s last opportunity to recognize and honor the men and women who defended our country in WWII,” said Darryl Fisher, founder and President of Dream Flights. Of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII, only an estimated 100,000 remain living today, with the youngest WWII veteran being age 95 in 2021.
“Honoring more than 1,000 WWII veterans during Operation September Freedom is an ambitious mission,” says Fisher. “We’re grateful for the support and resources Discovery Senior Living provides, and we’re proud to have them on our team of sponsors.”
Discovery Senior Living has been a steady supporter of armed forces veterans and related causes, with volunteer and charitable giving initiatives conducted multiple times each year at both the community and corporate levels. The company currently owns and operates a national, multi-brand portfolio of more than 70 communities in 15 states.
