Dream Flyer: Eddie Lamken, 93,  U.S. Army Air Corps

E3 Private First Class, 1943-1946

Eddie was a part of Rhineland and Central Europe battles.

Awards: American Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Award, Good Conduct Medal and 2 Overseas Service Bars.

Pilot: Darryl Fisher, Deam Flights founder

Aircraft: Spirit of Wisconsin, a 1943 Stearman biplane once used to train military aviators during WWII

Eddie Lamken’s first Dream Flight in 2016 at Stevens Point Municipal Airport inspired a family and a community to raise over $125,000 on behalf of Dream Flights to purchase the Spirit of Wisconsin, Dream Flights 4th Stearman.

Read Eddie’s story below:

When Dave Lamken initially discussed with Eddie the possibility of doing an Dream Flight, Eddie was indifferent and showed no enthusiasm. Eddie had pulled away from life, resigned himself to a wheelchair, and according to Dave, Eddie “basically gave up.” When it came Eddie’s turn on the day of the flight, Dave apprehensively pushed Eddie’s wheelchair toward the Stearman, his mind filled with questions: “Would Eddie decide not to go? Would we have problems getting him in the airplane? Would he shut down with fear?”

Darryl Fisher, the pilot, and the ground crew helped Eddie out of his wheelchair and into the front cockpit. While the ground crew helped Eddie get settled and strapped in, Darryl got into the rear cockpit to get ready for the flight. Watching his father in the front seat, Dave couldn’t believe his eyes! There was Eddie with a huge smile on his face, giving a thumbs up and waving to people.

Dave was ecstatic—he hadn’t seen Eddie so animated in over a year! When everything was set to go, Eddie continued to wave and smile as the Stearman taxied out to the runway.

Unbeknownst to Eddie, Dave had arranged for Darryl to fly over Eddie’s boyhood farm about 20 miles from the airport. About half an hour after take-off, the blue and yellow Stearman appeared over the horizon and made a smooth landing. Taxiing back to the hangar apron, Dave could see that Eddie was still waving and smiling ear-to-ear.

Then, said Dave, “With very little assistance, Eddie climbed out of the cockpit, down the wing, down the stepladder and, as he stood there with his cane, he was so happy he started to cry. I had the wheelchair there so he sat down and spoke with the newspapers, did TV interviews and remarked that he was overwhelmed by getting to fly over his boyhood farm.”

A Life-changing Event for the Whole Lamken Family

The Dream Flight proved to be a life-changing event, not only for Eddie, but also for Dave and his two sisters, Debbie Spees and Diane Kohn.

Following his Dream Flight, Eddie got out of his wheelchair and walked with the assistance of a wheeled walker or a cane ever since. In addition, Eddie’s attitude changed to where he again looked forward to living.

Eddie and Dave are both Army veterans and, following Eddie’s flight, they began talking about their respective Army careers and sharing their memories in ways that only fellow veterans can. Eddie also became an active family member once again, looking forward to going places and spending time with his daughters. Dave was elated to have his father back amongst his active family members. “The big smile, tears of happiness and overall joy my father displayed when he landed were things I will remember forever,” he said.

The Magic Continues in 2019

Eddie is presented with the Spirit of Wisconsin’s inaugural Dream Flight on June 19, 2019, at Stevens Point Municipal Aiport. This flight launched Dream Flights’ 8-city Spirit of Wisconsin Dedication Tour.

Though Eddie passed away on Aug. 29, 2020, in Stevens Point, Wis., his memory lives on forever in the hearts of his family and friends, and in the Magic of Our Dream Flights.

“The Spirit of Wisconsin was destined to fulfill our mission of giving back to those who have given.”

– Darryl Fisher, AADF Founder.