Veterans of War and Peace
A legacy flight takes veterans soaring in a T-6 aircraft, a single-engine, two-seat advanced trainer aircraft, known for its role in training pilots during World War II and beyond, and for its enduring legacy as a warbird. The T-6 was known as “the pilot maker” because of its important role in preparing pilots for combat. It was designed as a versatile military trainer, known for its reliability, maneuverability, and ease of operation.
A Legacy of Giving
Legacy Airbase, a nonprofit organization, is building a replica airbase at Dayton Valley Airpark. It has provided “Dream Flights” to veterans who are in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities. The organization’s mission is “honoring veterans, sharing history and giving back,” said Darryl Fisher, a local aviator, business leader, and founder of Legacy Airbase.
- Thus far, the 10-year-old organization has given 7,400 flights, across country.
- This week, Legacy Airbase will be in California and North Carolina to provide flights to veterans.
A Tribute to Service
Sunday’s gathering also brought members from Carson High School’s NJROTC. The veterans who received the free flights were:
- Ben Thomas, 80, a career military pilot with the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard Reno, who had flown 7,000 hours, none of them, however, was on a T-6.
- Retired USAF Master Sgt. Stoney Faubus, 78, of Spanish Springs, who served as a C-7A Caribou crew chief/flight mechanic 1968-1969, T-29/C-131 flight mechanic 1970-1975, and C-130 flight engineer 1975-1985.
- Retired US Air Force Staff Sgt. Tex Tankersley, of Carson City, who received his private pilot license in 1979 and has flown close to 2,000 hours.
- Edward Bindert, 67, a US Army veteran who lives in Sparks, and has done a lot of volunteer work with veteran organizations.
- Marty Brenner, 86, a US Air Force Reservist from 1957 to 1962, who was a medic at March Air Reserve Base.
- Charles Diez, 83, who retired from the US Navy as a radio man and did sky patrol for 15 years.
Flight Experiences
The T-6 aircraft was flown by Ben Thomas, who said the ride was a bit bumpy, likely due to the weather. “There’s a lot of room in the back seat when compared to the F-4,” he said, noting that he flew the Phantom RF-4 for 16 years in the Air Guard. “It was a good flight.”
Retired USAF Master Sgt. Stoney Faubus, 78, of Spanish Springs, had previously flown the T-6 with the Commemorative Air Force out of Stead. Sunday’s flight was another air experience he did not want to pass up. “If there’s a flight, I’m there,” he said. Retired US Air Force Staff Sgt. Tex Tankersley, of Carson City, had done a lot of flying, but had not flown a T-6 before. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to take the flight. “I got an invitation to take this flight, and I said hell yes,” he said. Edward Bindert, 67, had not flown in a T-6 before, but was excited to experience the flight. “I got an invitation to take this flight, and I said yes,” he said. Marty Brenner, 86, who had flown in a P-51 before, was also excited to take the flight. “The last warbird I flew in was a P-51 in Minden,” he said. “Though not a pilot himself, he had flown in a T-6 one time before at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. ‘It is a WW II trainer and it trained the guys that kept me free. Look at it. It is beautiful.'”
Charles Diez, 83, who retired from the US Navy as a radio man and did sky patrol for 15 years, was also thrilled to take the flight. “It is a WW II trainer and it trained the guys that kept me free. Look at it. It is beautiful,” he said.
A Tribute to Legacy Airbase
Legacy Airbase was founded by local aviator and business leader Darryl Fisher. “We believe in the power of flight to inspire, heal, and bring joy to those who have served our country,” he said.
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| Legacy Airbase | Honoring veterans, sharing history, and giving back. |
| US Air Force | Preparing pilots for combat. |
| T-6 aircraft | A versatile military trainer, known for its reliability, maneuverability, and ease of operation. |
A Word from the Founder
“We believe in the power of flight to inspire, heal, and bring joy to those who have served our country,” said Darryl Fisher, founder of Legacy Airbase.
“Honoring veterans, sharing history and giving back” is the mission of Legacy Airbase, a nonprofit organization building a replica airbase at Dayton Valley Airpark. It has provided “Dream Flights” to veterans who are in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities.
Conclusion
Legacy Airbase takes to the skies to honor five area veterans with a free Legacy Flight Sunday in a T-6 aircraft at Carson City Airport. The organization has provided 7,400 flights across the country and will be in California and North Carolina this week to provide flights to veterans. The T-6 aircraft is a versatile military trainer known for its reliability, maneuverability, and ease of operation. Legacy Airbase’s mission is to honor veterans, share history, and give back to the community. The organization was founded by local aviator and business leader Darryl Fisher. “We believe in the power of flight to inspire, heal, and bring joy to those who have served our country,” said Fisher. “Honoring veterans, sharing history and giving back” is the mission of Legacy Airbase, a nonprofit organization building a replica airbase at Dayton Valley Airpark. Legacy Airbase takes to the skies to honor five area veterans with a free Legacy Flight Sunday in a T-6 aircraft at Carson City Airport. Legacy Airbase’s dedication to honoring veterans and sharing history is truly commendable. The organization’s commitment to giving back to the community is evident in its mission to provide “Dream Flights” to veterans in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities. “It is a WW II trainer and it trained the guys that kept me free. Look at it. It is beautiful,” said Marty Brenner, 86, a US Air Force Reservist from 1957 to 1962.
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