Ageless Aviation to dedicate restored Stearman in Stevens Point

A 1943 Stearman biplane once used in Minneapolis to train aviators during World War II will have a new home and a new mission in Stevens Point, Wis.

On June 19 at Stevens Point Municipal Airport, 4501 State Road 66, Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) will dedicate the Spirit of Wisconsin, the fourth in its fleet of Stearmans used to honor military veterans and seniors living in long-term care communities. The biplane will be based at the airport and used by AADF to give free Dream Flights to veterans and seniors living in the Midwestern states.

Following the dedication, AADF founder Darryl Fisher will present the inaugural Dream Flight to WWII veteran, 93 year-old Eddie Lamken and kick off an eight-city Dedication Tour. The public is invited to watch pre-selected veterans and seniors experience a Dream Flight in the open cockpit biplane on the following days:

Wednesday, June 19, Spirit of Wisconsin Dedication and eight-city Dedication Tour Kick-off

• Stevens Point Municipal Airport, 4501 WI-66, Stevens Point, WI 54482
• Dedication Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.
• Inaugural Dream Flight: 12:00 p.m., followed by additional pre-selected Dream Flights

Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly-In: Waupaca

• Waupaca Municipal Airport, 2601 Runway Dr. Waupaca, WI 54981

Wednesday, June 27, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly-In: Green Bay

• Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, 1921 Airport Dr., Green Bay, WI 54313

Friday, June 28, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly In: Eau Claire

• Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, 3800 Starr Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Wednesday, July 10, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly-In: La Crosse

• La Crosse Regional Airport (Colgan Air), 2709 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI 54603

Thursday, July 11, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly-In: Madison

• Dane County Regional Airport (Wisconsin Aviation), 3606 Corben Ct., Madison, WI 53704

Friday, July 12, 9 a.m., Spirit of Wisconsin Fly-In: Waukesha

• Waukesha County Airport (Atlantic Aviation), 2525 Aviation Rd., Waukesha, WI 53188

July 21-28: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration

• Spirit of Wisconsin on display
• *Event times coming soon

WWII veteran’s Dream Flight Inspires a Community

“Stevens Point is where we saw the magic of a Dream Flight transform one of our Dream Flyers, a then 91-year old World War II veteran named Eddie Lamken,” Fisher recalls. “The experience inspired a family and a community to embrace our foundation and our mission.”

Stevens Point resident David Lamken, Eddie’s son, initiated and led a two-year fundraising campaign to raise more than $125,000 to purchase the biplane. In addition to personal and corporate donations and proceeds from annual golf tournaments, AADF’s primary sponsor Sport Clips, jumpstarted the campaign with a generous donation, as did AADF sponsors Direct Supply and MatrixCare.

Since 2011, AADF has given nearly 3,700 free Dream Flights to veterans and seniors nationwide. Those interested in sponsoring a Spirit of Wisconsin Dream Flight can do so by visiting http://agelessaviationdreams.org/spirit-of-wisconsin-donate/. For more information about the dedication ceremony and the eight-city dedication tour, visit www.agelessaviationdreams.org.