Honoring Allegro Tallahassee’s Veterans with a Soaring Tribute to Their Service

On November 8, 2024, two of Allegro Tallahassee’s resident veterans, Leigh Fairbank III (retired Army Major) and Robert Anderson (retired Army Colonel), took to the skies on a thrilling Dream Flight. This unique opportunity (made possible by the joint partnership of The Florida Health Care Association, the Florida Assisted Living Association, and Dream Flights) allowed these local heroes to relive history, soaring above the Tallahassee landscape in a restored open-cockpit biplane as part of an inspiring tribute to their service and sacrifice.

The Dream Flight Experience

The Dream Flight program, organized by the nonprofit Dream Flights, offered a 15-minute adventure in the skies, dedicated to honoring senior veterans. This special flight transported veterans back in time in a beautifully restored biplane, giving them a firsthand experience of aviation as it once was. Established in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher, Dream Flights has made it its mission to recognize senior veterans across the country, including those over 100, through this unforgettable journey in the air.

Honoring Our Heroes

Leigh and Robert joined the ranks of thousands of veterans who have taken their Dream Flight. These veterans have long been beloved members of the close-knit Allegro community, known for their stories, contributions, and the camaraderie they shared with fellow residents. Fairbank and Anderson looked forward to an experience that not only honored their past but connected them to their peers, family, and friends.

The Dream Flight event took place at MillionAir FBO in Tallahassee, where family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the occasion. The event featured welcome remarks, flight departure, interviews with local media, and a celebration at the Allegro Tallahassee community.

Laurie Jordan, executive director at Allegro Senior Living noted, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the veterans at Allegro Senior Living in Tallahassee were ready to fly as soon as they could.”

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Veterans

The Dream Flight was not just a thrilling ride; it was a profound gesture of gratitude and recognition for the service that senior veterans have given. Allegro Tallahassee and Dream Flights were proud to honor these heroes by dedicating a day to remembrance, appreciation, and an adventure that reconnected them with their proud history.

Read/watch more about this amazing event in the local media here: Tallahassee Democrat, WCTV, and WFSU.