More than 40 years after retiring from the Army Air Force, local World War II, Korean and Vietman War veteran Lt. Col. Marvin Hamilton was back in the sky.
- World War II, Korean and Vietman War veteran Lt. Col. Marvin Hamilton returned to the skies this week
- A local pilot helped get the veteran back behind the controls of a plane
- Flying Adventure LLC
Lt. Col. Hamilton recently met local pilot, Chris Gregory, at an airshow. Gregory manages the company “Flying Adventure LLC” that takes people on tours in a 1941 Stearman Biplane.
The plane is just like the one Hamilton trained on in 1943.
"An 18 year old, you're invincible can't wait to get on that thing," Lt. Col. Hamilton said.
The 92-year-old has stayed out of the cockpit since retiring in 1974 but traveled all over the world on a number of different aircrafts throughout his impressive career.
On Tuesday, Hamilton jumped back in and took control as he and Gregory took off from Albert Whitted airport and flew above the beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
"It's not very often that you get to fly with someone who actually trained on them because this airplane is 76 years old," Gregory said.
Lt. Col. Hamilton said he’s grateful for those working to preserve this piece of American History.
"Children today know nothing about how these things were made, flown, and used. Thank god people like Chris are keeping this alive," Lt. Col. Hamilton said.
Gregory said it’s the least he can do for our veterans who’ve sacrificed so much.
"Any time we get an opportunity to say 'thank you in this way.' It's a small small gesture but hopefully it goes a long way and puts a smile on his face," Gregory said.