On March 1, Walla Walla University’s Aviation Club teamed up with the Center for Humanitarian Engagement to offer a unique experience to our local veterans. Six of the club’s commercial rated and/or flight instructor members took to the skies with 10 veterans so they could enjoy our beautiful Walla Walla Valley from the air.
“Veterans have sacrificed a lot: time with their families, their mental health, their physical health, and sometimes even their lives, to keep our whole national community safe. It was such a nice experience for us to meet with these veterans, hear their stories, and give them something fun to do on a random Sunday!” said Emma Dietrich, Aviation Club president.
Club members that weren’t certified pilots were still able to engage with this event. Though 10 received flights, there were 12 veterans who came out to have breakfast and share their experiences with students.
The club’s officers were inspired by Dream Flights—an organization that offers flights in a Boeing Stearman biplane to veterans and seniors. They also recognized the impact an event like this can have through the work of Mark Small, a local pilot who has flown nearly 700 veterans in his privately owned aircraft.
Dietrich worked with Dixie Ferguson of the Volunteers Love Serving Veterans, an organization that works to provide comprehensive support and resources to veterans, to request interested veterans. Ferguson told Dietrich all the participants were super thrilled about the opportunity to fly and meet all the youngsters.
After the event, one participant said, “it was my honor to serve our country. I know that it is worth it when folks like you let veterans know your appreciation. God bless you and yours!”
“Events like this are often more meaningful than just flying,” said Dietrich. “This event made me a little teary; it was so sweet and meaningful. It’s always great when you can make someone who feels overlooked and underappreciated feel seen and valued!”
The CHE works with various WWU clubs to help provide meaningful opportunities for service and community engagement like this one. To find more stories and opportunities like this, visit wallawalla.edu/che. To learn more about studying aviation at WWU, visit the Department of Technology at wallawalla.edu/technology.
Posted March 31, 2026.
