Our 2021 #OpSeptFreedom tour was a historic and life-changing experience for everyone involved, including the senior living providers we partnered with to honor WWII heroes living in their communities. During a 61-day tour, we landed in 333 cities and 47 states to honor 891 WWII heroes with free flights of a lifetime in restored WWII-era biplanes. We'll never forget the experience of meeting and honoring members of the greatest generation. We're happy to hear Cleo and her family didn't forget either! Thank you, Marisa Payne, DCS, DCSCT and Prestige Care for making a difference in the lives of our seniors and honoring our veteran heroes! In September 2024, we're presenting our 7,000th Dream Flight to a World War II veteran in Texas! Follow us for the latest news and updates!
#OpenToWork | Business Management & Administration | Strategic Operations | Senior Housing & Healthcare | Advocating for Older Adults, People Living with Dementia (PLwD), and Care Partners
🎖️ Did you know that June 12th is Women Veterans Day? Today we honor the persistence and dedication of the women who defied convention, broke barriers, and answered the call to serve. As Product Manager at a senior living organization, I oversaw a wellness-focused lifestyle product aimed at enhancing the happiness, vitality, and longevity of our residents. To that end I initiated a strategic partnership with Dream Flights, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring seniors and military veterans. Collaborating with my dedicated colleagues in Product and Marketing, and the committed Life Enrichment and Memory Care Directors in 18 communities in 7 states, I led the logistical coordination for 48 WWII veterans, including Cleo (pictured), to fly in restored Boeing Stearman biplanes. It was one of the greatest honors of my career to play a part in giving back to those who gave so much. Years after the successful completion of that initiative, I still think of Cleo often. The photos and media coverage capturing her experience that day, and the feedback from her family, made a lasting impact on me. I was saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year, so today, on Women Veterans Day, she is especially on my mind and heart. ❤️ In her obituary it was stated that Cleo requested we hug close the people we love in lieu of flowers. So today, I will honor her memory by doing just that. I encourage you to do the same. If you would like to request Dream Flights for the veterans in your community, you can begin at the following link (please don't hesitate to contact me for strategies and tips to make it a success): https://dreamflights.org/ It will touch their lives, and the lives of their family and friends, profoundly - and likely yours, too. #LestWeForget #Veterans #SeniorLiving #LifeEnrichment