BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. (WNDU) – A 90-year-old veteran checked off an item on his bucket list today.
And what is even more special: He was able to do this together with his grandson.
At age 90, Dick Swem remains active in his community. He is currently a funeral director at Starks Family Funeral Homes.
Compared to the time when he was drafted into the army and served as a medic toward the end of the Korean War, life there is slower.
“Dick and I were talking and he told me about his background in aviation. He had taken flight training seven years ago but hadn’t completed his license yet,” said Dana Wales, a family friend and managing partner of Wales Wealth Management Group. “And he said, ‘Boy, it would be really nice if I could get in a small plane one more time before I die and just take the controls and fly the plane.'”
Wales decided to take matters into his own hands and with just a few phone calls, he was able to take Swem to new heights with the support of Andrews University Airpark, friends and family.
“You know, veterans serve our country. I just think it’s wonderful to honor him in this way at this time in his life,” Wales said.
Everyone knows that a good pilot needs a good co-pilot, and that’s why his eldest grandson Patrick came to Swem.
“When Patrick was 10 years old, Dick wanted his grandson to experience flying,” Wales said. “At this very airport, he paid a pilot to take them. Dick sat in the back seat and Patrick, the grandson, sat in the front seat. And today, all these years later, the grandson is in the back seat and the grandfather is in the front seat, so it’s wonderful.”
“A lot of reminiscing, you know,” Patrick said. “My grandpa is an incredible person. Patriot of the Swem family and did so much for everyone else.”
Upon landing, Swem was surprised with a salute from the fire brigade. He also received an Andrews Challenge Coin to celebrate his successful flight.
“It’s wonderful to relive the past,” said Swem. “Very nice memories and you are an excellent pilot!”
Swem said he was not against another flight, but would like to have some rest beforehand.
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