On Saturday April 28th, 2012, my grandpa, Pete Howenstein had the honor of flying in a WWII B17 Bomber plane at Van Nuys Airport. The firefighters of Station 87 in Northridge have been quite fond of my grandpa and all chipped in to give him the ride of a lifetime. We showed up early morning to the firehouse where we were greeted by Captain Smith and his crew.  One of the retired fireman is in the process of restoring a 1927 fire engine and had us ride from the firehouse to the airport with the wind in our hair and the sun blaring down on us.  It fascinated me to see how many people driving along Balboa Blvd, smiled, waved and honked as we drove in this historical vehicle down down the street.  It’s the little things that make a person smile and it was definitely a fun ride. There was a group of people waiting to board the B17 as we arrived from fathers with their sons to young and old couples.  My grandpa was even interviewed by the Daily News, see article/photos and it always amazes me how many people are so interested in WWII and his stories even though it was so long ago.   The ride was only 30 min but as my grandpa said, “It brought back a lot of old memories”.   Tears of joy filed his eyes as the firefighters surprised him with a B17 bomber jacket, a jacket you can only get if you ride in the airplane.

From there we headed over to the Van Nuys Airport firestation, where Captain Smith was stationed out of before Station 87.  We met the pilots of the rescue helicopters, and firefighting crew.  I think it is a given that all firefighters are the nicest service members there are.  I truly appreciate all of the firemen from Station 87 for what they have done for my grandpa and for my family.  Here is a look into the day.