MIDDLETON, Wisconsin – Dr. Lew Harned, a decorated veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Desert Storm, celebrated his 100th birthday with a remarkable flight in a historic military biplane.
As part of his “99 Things Before 100” challenge, Harned took to the skies on the Spirit of Wisconsin, marking an important milestone in his life and demonstrating his spirit of adventure.
On the eve of his 100th birthday, Harned floated through the air and relived a dream from his past.
This was made possible with the help of Dream Flights, a nonprofit organization that honors seniors and veterans by taking them on flights.
“We only fly people who are WWII veterans once,” explained Darryl Fisher, president and pilot of Dream Flights, who flew the one-star general in 2019. “But we have a rule that every year we fly people who turn 100. Lew remembered that and stayed in touch with us. And my goodness, five years later, he’s 100.”
For Harned, the flight was particularly unforgettable.
“It’s the first time I’ve landed on grass. When you come down, you don’t even notice that you hit the ground,” Harned said.
“These planes used to fly from a grass runway,” Fisher noted. “Here at Middleton they have a grass runway and it’s just wonderful. It takes us back to the roots from an aviation perspective.”
In addition to the flight, Harned was involved in several activities as part of his “99 Things Before 100” adventure. His goal was to do things he had never done before, including reading to a group of children at the Milton Library, eating at the world’s largest Culver’s and attending events throughout Rock County.
At the end of the 100-year celebration, Harned gave a thumbs up and expressed his excitement about experiencing another flying adventure next year when he turns 101.
“We’re going to have fun,” he said.
Fisher was also optimistic about her next flight.
“I think we will have another great flight next year,” he said.
Click here for more details on Harned’s journey.
