Warbird Ride Wish Granted for Marine Veteran in San Marcos
San Marco, TX (PRWEB) July 17, 2014 -- On July 18 at the San Marcos Airport a flight of a lifetime will occur thanks to the joint effort of three area organizations Wish of a Lifetime™, Brookdale Senior Living Centers and the CAF Centex wing. This wish will honor World War II Veteran, Clarence Heidemann, U.S.M.C. Retired with a flight in an authentic Vintage World War II aircraft.
Clarence Heidemann, 94, is a resident of Brookdale Senior Living Center in San Marcos. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. He and two friends were given leave for a night on the town on December 6 and awoke the next morning to the sound of an attack, unaware at the time, he was witnessing the “date, which will live in infamy”- the attack on Pearl Harbor. Racing back to the base, he and others were given 50 caliber anti-aircraft machine guns. With very little experience or instruction he was fortunate to survive uninjured. After World War II he served in China, Korea and Okinawa, finally retiring in 1961. More than seven decades later, Heidemann still attends the annual reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors and a seaside remembrance ceremony.
As a Marine, Heidemann was stationed on boats, but he studied the skies hoping to fly, particularly in an open cockpit biplane. This weekend Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime will fulfill Heidemann’s wish by sending him up in an authentically restored 1942 Boeing-Stearman Model 75 owned by Cibolo Creek Aviation, LLC. The pilot, also a member of the Commemorative Air Force was thrilled at the opportunity to be involved. “This is what we do,” says Pilot “Doc” Hecker, “we honor those who fought for our freedoms and what better way then in an authentic warbird.” For the flight, a generous donation was made to the CAF Centex Wing, which will go to supporting their mission and continuing programs and events in the community. Heidemann’s ride from San Marcos up and over his family’s homestead in nearby Uhland, Texas will occur at 10:30 a.m. on July 19.
In 2010, Brookdale Senior Living and Wish of a Lifetime™ formed a partnership to making some of the dreams of Brookdale’s residents come true. Since the partnership’s inception, more than 600 seniors have had their Wish granted.
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and living accommodations for residents.
Wish of a Lifetime™ fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by fulfilling their life-enriching Wishes. To learn more about volunteering or to help fulfill a senior’s Wish visit http://www.seniorwish.org.
The CAF Centex Wing is based in San Marcos, Texas and has four flyable, authentic World War II aircraft. They have an ongoing program with senior citizens participating in the Elderhostel program. The program includes tours of the hangar facility. Wing members also present programs on aviation and the history of the CAF to local civic groups and school children in the area. http://www.cafcentex.com
Amy Lauria, Commemorative Air Force, http://www.commemorativeairforce.org, +1 (651) 373-1185, [email protected]
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