98-Year-Old World War II Vet Fulfills Dream to Soar Skies Again

Quick Smiles:

• John Wolfe, a 98-year-old World War II veteran and ex-commercial pilot, recently had his wish fulfilled to fly once more.
• This was made possible by the Wish of Lifetime program, run by AARP, and allowed Wolfe to soar the skies over his beloved hometown in Jackson Township, Pennsylvania.
• After his skyward adventure, Wolfe’s dream fulfillment was celebrated by the community with a festive party and cake.

In a heartwarming turn of events, John Wolfe, a 98-year-old resident of Jackson Township, Pennsylvania, was able to fulfill his dream. A World War II veteran who served his country in the skies and as a commercial pilot, Wolfe recently had the opportunity to fly once more.

This unique experience was made possible by the Wish of Lifetime initiative, facilitated by AARP. The program gifted Wolfe with a thrill that is rare in his twilight years.

Wolfe openly expressed, “I knew my time was running out, and it had to be done.”

Wolfe was given this opportunity when staff at his residence, Country Meadows Retirement Village, contacted the Wish of Lifetime program.

His high-flying adventure began from York Airport; an hour-long flight that allowed him to sit in the co-pilot’s seat. The veteran was even granted the opportunity to handle the controls once more, a joy he had not experienced in a long while.

Emotionally, he shared, “He let me fly it. That was my thrill. I had the controls.”

Returning to solid ground did not mean the end of the excitement for Wolfe. A celebration was arranged, where the community acknowledged his remarkable journey. The event, filled with cake, laughter, and applause, was a memorable one, but Wolfe confessed that this momentous occasion would be hard to match.

After all, once you’ve experienced such a high, both literally and figuratively, anything else is a difficult act to follow.

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