Seven U.S. military veterans took to the skies for the ride of a lifetime, soaring 1,000 feet above the ground in a beautifully restored WWII-era Boeing Stearman aircraft, an iconic open-cockpit biplane.
The veterans, all residents of Palo Alto Commons senior living community, took the flights on July 28 at Hayward Executive Airport through a collaboration between Palo Alto Commons and Dream Flights, a Nevada-based nonprofit that celebrates veterans’ service and sacrifice with these memorable flights. Founded in 1990 by Bill Reller and his late wife, Carolyn, Palo Alto Commons is passionate about creating opportunities for residents to remain active, engaged and connected.
“It was an unforgettable day and a wonderful experience to fly in such a beautiful historic airplane,” said Charles Mangee. Mangee, 93, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served for seven years and attained the rank of Captain. “I am grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
“Dream Flights is a dream come true!” said Bill Reller, Korean War veteran and owner and founder of Palo Alto Commons and The Avant. “Imagine, at age 91, being in the front seat of an open-air, twin-winged plane, flying at 1,000
feet, tilting left, right, up, and down — it just does not get any better!”
Reller served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain, and completed Airborne Ranger Training. He later retired from the Army Reserves in 1968.
The other veterans who were honored with flights are:
• Fredrick Chancellor, 88 – U.S. Army Reserve veteran who served for six and a half years and attained the rank of Sergeant. His service included basic training, work as a dental assistant, Quartermaster duties, and Platoon Graves Registration.
• Donald Brookman, 86 – U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran who served for four years as a Sergeant at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York. He worked on testing special antennas and in research and development.
• Robert Beyer, 90 – U.S. Navy veteran who served for 25 years and attained the rank of Captain. A Vietnam veteran, he served aboard the USS Pictor, USS Tripoli and USS Nimitz, and held several leadership roles in naval aviation logistics and aircraft programs.
• Henry Goltz, 99 – U.S. Navy veteran who served for one year in the Pacific Theater and attained the rank of Seaman First Class. He was a plank owner of the USS Sicily.
• Matt Arena, 97 – U.S. Army veteran who served for two years as a Private. During his service, he was stationed in Puerto Rico and at Fort Knox, Ky.
“The Dream Flights experience was far more than a flight—it was a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and a lifetime of service,” said Manalee Shukla, Program Director at Palo Alto Commons. “Watching our veterans take to the skies with smiles on their faces and pride in their hearts was one of the most meaningful moments I have witnessed as a Program Director. It reminded us that no matter how many years have passed, the gratitude we owe our veterans never fades. We are deeply thankful to the Dream Flights team and everyone involved for creating memories that our residents, their families, and our staff will cherish forever.”
