MIDDLETON, Wis. — 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 vintage military biplane.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Lew Harned, a World War II, Korean War and Desert Storm veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday with a flight in the Spirit of Wisconsin biplane as part of his "99 Things Before 100" challenge
  • Pilot Darryl Fisher, who previously flew Harned in 2019, honored a special tradition of flying centenarians, remarking, “Lew remembered that and he's kept in touch with us. And by golly, five years later he's 100”
  • The flight included a unique landing on a grass runway, which Harned described as a new experience, noting, “You don’t even know you hit the ground"
  • In addition to the flight, Harned participated in various activities around Rock County, including a visit to the Milton Library

As part of his “99 Things Before 100” challenge, Harned took to the skies in the Spirit of Wisconsin, marking a major milestone in his life and showcasing his adventurous spirit.

For his upcoming 100th birthday, Harned soared through the air, reliving a dream from his past.

It was able to happen with the help of Dream Flights, a nonprofit that honors seniors and military veterans by taking them up for flights.

“We only fly people who are World War II veterans once,” Dream Flights President and pilot Darryl Fisher, who had previously flown the one-star general in 2019, explained. “But we have a rule that when people reach 100, we’ll fly them every year. Lew remembered that, and he’s kept in touch with us. And by golly, five years later, he’s 100.”

The flight was particularly memorable for Harned.

“It’s the first time I’ve landed on grass. So you coming down, you don’t even know you hit the ground,” Harned said.

“These airplanes flew off a grass runway back in the day," Fisher noted. "Here at Middleton, they have a grass runway and it’s just wonderful. It takes us back to the roots from a flying standpoint.”

In addition to the flight, Harned has been involved in various activities as part of his “99 Things Before 100” adventure. His goal was to do things he’s never done before. It included reading to a group of kids at the Milton Library, eating at the world’s largest Culver’s and participating in events throughout Rock County.

The 100th-year celebration concluded with Harned giving a thumbs up and expressing his enthusiasm about enjoying another aviation adventure next year, when he turns 101.

“We’re going to have fun,” he said.

Fisher was also optimistic about their next flight.

“I think we’ll have a great flight again next year,” he said.

For more details on Harned’s journey, click here. 

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