WWII-era aircraft gives Bakersfield veterans 15-minute flights

Dream Flights organization provides free flights for veterans, including a 102-year-old WWII vet

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:54am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph shot through condensation or rain-streaked glass, depicting the silhouette of an elderly veteran sitting in the cockpit of a vintage WWII aircraft, surrounded by a warm, dreamlike wash of golden light and color. The scene conveys a sense of nostalgia and the transformative power of reliving past experiences.A veteran's nostalgic flight aboard a historic warplane transports him back to his younger days, evoking the thrill and camaraderie of military service.Bakersfield Today

Veterans in Bakersfield, California had the opportunity to take short flights aboard a historic World War II-era aircraft on Friday at the Bakersfield Municipal Airport. The flights were organized by the Dream Flights organization, which has provided over 8,000 free flights for veterans. Among the participants was 102-year-old WWII veteran Bill Gloss, who recently returned from a trip to Belgium where he celebrated his birthday.

Why it matters

The flights aboard the WWII-era aircraft provide a unique and transformative experience for older veterans, allowing them to relive their younger days and feel the thrill of flight once again. The event highlights the efforts of organizations like Dream Flights to honor and support veterans, particularly those who served during World War II.

The details

The flights were operated by veteran pilot Kurt Bohlken, who has been flying since age 16 and served 21 years in the Navy. The aircraft used has appeared in the 'Mission Impossible' films. Kern County Fire Department crews were on hand to assist the veterans onto the plane, and Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh was present to cheer on the participants.

  • The flights took place on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Bill Gloss, the 102-year-old veteran, recently returned from a trip to Belgium in December where he celebrated his birthday.

The players

Bill Gloss

A 102-year-old World War II veteran who served in the European Theater in Germany. He recently returned from a trip to Belgium where he celebrated his birthday.

Kurt Bohlken

The pilot for the day, who has been flying since age 16 and served 21 years in the Navy. He also flies for American Airlines.

Dream Flights

An organization that provides free flights for veterans, having given over 8,000 flights to date.

Karen Goh

The mayor of Bakersfield, who was present at the event to cheer on the participants.

Kern County Fire Department

The department that provided crews to assist the veterans onto the aircraft.

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What they’re saying

“When we were over there in 1944 I spent my 20th birthday, December, last December, the 14th, I spent my 102 birthday in Belgium”

— Bill Gloss, World War II veteran

“The only thing I can say is, God has got his hand on me. He just keeps me going day and day. And I was in during the war, I spent 17 months over there, and they were times when things got pretty warm, but I had a praying mama, and I knew that she was praying, and I really believe that's the main reason I'm sitting here talking to you today.”

— Bill Gloss, World War II veteran

“What we see every flight with our veterans, they go to the airplane and they're 80 or 90, years old, and they come back and they're 25 years old again. It's amazing, this airplane is a time machine to be able to provide them with that.”

— Kurt Bohlken, Pilot

What’s next

Veterans interested in participating in future Dream Flights events can apply through the organization's website.

The takeaway

The Dream Flights event in Bakersfield highlights the powerful impact that reliving past experiences can have on older veterans, allowing them to reconnect with their youth and the thrill of flight. Organizations like Dream Flights play a vital role in honoring the service and sacrifices of America's veterans.