B-17 ride for a vet

[pitts91hs]

[i[IMG]http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t112/pitts91hs/Bombbay.jpg
I had the honor and privelege of accompanying Mr. Sam Celum for a ride on board the Collings Foundation B-17 on 30 March. Mr. Celum was a bombardier with the 452nd BG in the ETO. He is 87 years old and had'nt been around a B-17 in 87 years. Being new to posting here and photobucket, I hope you can enjoy these photos.
[IMG]http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t112/pitts91hs/takeoff.jpg
We sat in the radio compartment during takeoff.

IMG]http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t112/pitts91hs/lookingwest.jpg[/IMG]



Mr. Celum is in the care AIM Hospice in Rockport, Texas. Those kind people made this day very special for Mr. Celum.
Hats off to them and the B-17 crew for a great ride.

[daveymac82c]

That is really great!

Hats off to you guys.

When can I get my ride? just kidding.

-David

[mustangdriver]

That is what it is all about right there.

[pitts91hs]

I told you I was new to this. Hope the other photos make it. Meant to say he hadn't been around a B-17 in 62 years.

[Nathan]

Thats what I like to see! Yahoo! Great job.

[JimH]

Sam is in hospice care with a terminal blood disease. His caretaker said Sam had been looking forward to that ride and that was all he talked about. She said the only thing that made him smile or perked him up was talking about his service and his upcoming ride. It was an honor to have him fly with us and he thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon. It was one of those afternoons that make you appreciate life.

jimh

[PhantomAce08]

That is just awesome!!!

[Second Air Force]

Pitts,

Thank you for sharing these photos. As mustangdriver said, that IS what it's all about. The smile on that man's face makes me proud to be his countryman, and glad that he could go back to his youth one more time.

Thank you to ALL veterans,
Scott

[hang the expense]

Great job you guys. That is what it is all about. The smile on that guys face will not be forgotten by those who were there.

[Elroy13]

FANTASTIC!!! Thats what I like to see! GREAT JOB!

[Jollygreenslugg]

Thanks for posting these shots. The one of Mr Celum standing by the bomb bay would bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye of any decent person. One can barely imagine the thoughts and memories that he would be having at that point. Sixty years after going to war, what memories he must have had when he re-encountered the smells, the feel, sounds and sight of a Flying Fortress once more.

One of the more moving posts, thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Matt

[APG85]

[Canso42]

Events like this make me proud to be a part of the warbird scene and proud to be an American. Just participating in warbird aviation honors their generation but something like Mr. Celum's ride is a very moving tribute.
Those are some powerful photographs, Pitts especially the one of him sitting at his post lost in thought.

Doug Ratchford.

[Xrayist]

This was a true act of kindness and respect. I had to stare at the third pic down for several minutes....I wonder what memories he was having when this pic was taken.....probably one of the best pics I have ever seen in my life. Thanks to all who made this possible.

[RickH]

909 also flew a former B-17 pilot on the leg from Conroe to Ellington. He is 92 and the father in law of Debbie from Dixie Airparts. Debbie is one of the most knowledgeable T-33 folks in the country. He was especially proud of the fact that it was his first time in a B-17 in 63 years. He was injured while flying prior to getting into combat and lost most of his fingertips due to severe frostbite. His case became a medical first and made the medical journals of the day.