Textron Aviation names departure day Dove 1 for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

Omani and Jeanie Carson from Omaha, Nebraska, will be the first to depart with athletes on June 27.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

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Textron Aviation has announced that Omani and Jeanie Carson from Omaha, Nebraska, will be the first departure day Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift. The Carsons' aircraft and crew will be the first to lift off from Minneapolis' Twin Cities on June 27 at the conclusion of the Games and bring the athletes home. They join over 100 volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators to transport athletes to and from the event.

Why it matters

The Special Olympics Airlift is the largest peacetime airlift in the world, relying entirely on volunteer pilots and aircraft to transport athletes and coaches to and from the event. This newly established role of departure day Dove 1 recognizes the Carsons' leadership in supporting athlete travel during the return home.

The details

The Special Olympics Airlift has been transporting athletes and coaches since 1987, with over 10,000 participants flown by the volunteers, who are given the Dove call sign. Textron Aviation states that the role of departure day Dove 1 distinguishes the Carsons from the arrival day Dove 1, which was announced in January as Prent Corporation.

  • The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in June.
  • The Carsons' aircraft and crew will be the first to lift off on June 27, 2026.

The players

Omani and Jeanie Carson

A couple from Omaha, Nebraska, who will be the first departure day Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.

Textron Aviation

An American aerospace company that has announced the Carsons as the first departure day Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.

Ron Draper

The president and CEO of Textron Aviation.

Prent Corporation

The company announced as the arrival day Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift in January.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to help bring these remarkable athletes home. Witnessing their determination and joy throughout the Games inspires us all. Being part of their journey home is a privilege and we hope our involvement encourages others to join this incredible mission in the future and make a lasting impact.”

— Omani Carson, Founder and chairman of the Carson Group

“Watching these athletes board their flights home, you see the pride in their eyes and the joy in their smiles. Omani and Jeanie's commitment ensures that every athlete's journey concludes with celebration and a sense of accomplishment. Their leadership inspires all of us to lift others up and make a difference.”

— Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation

What’s next

Textron Aviation states that the role of departure day Dove 1 recognizes the Carsons' leadership in supporting athlete travel during the return home, and they hope their involvement will encourage others to join this mission in the future.

The takeaway

The Special Olympics Airlift is a remarkable example of how volunteer efforts can make a significant impact, transporting over 10,000 athletes and coaches since 1987. The Carsons' leadership as the first departure day Dove 1 highlights the dedication and inspiration that drives this large-scale humanitarian effort.