Newhaven Court at Clearview Veteran Spent more than 60 Years in Air

BUTLER, Pa. - Nov. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Fred Thompson is a U.S. Army veteran who spent much of his life taking to the skies.

     The walls of the living room of his Newhaven Court at Clearview apartment are covered with numerous framed photographs of military and civilian airplanes Thompson piloted during his more than 60 years in the air.

     The Butler County native has flown 40 different types of airplanes, eight of which he owned. Thompson once even piloted the Goodyear Blimp.

     Thompson and other veterans residing at Newhaven Court at Clearview will be honored on Veterans Day at the senior living community in Butler. Patriotic readings and entertainment as well as the dedication of a new flag will be included in the Veterans Day program.

     Thompson’s passion for flying had early roots. At age 12, he saw his first real airplane when “Barnstormers” visited Butler County during the summer months and offered airplane rides for $1. The pilots needed a large open field to take off and land, and the improvised runway just happened to be located near Thompson’s home.

     Thompson established a rapport with the plane’s owners and learned about the plane and flying. Eventually he was asked to help move the plane to different locations in the field.

     When he graduated from Harrison High School, Thompson joined the flying club and split the cost with two other members to buy two airplanes. He later was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as part of the military mounted police, protecting supply convoys on the move. He flew approximately 10 missions while serving his country.

     When he returned to civilian life, Thompson purchased a surplus military plane from the War Assets Department. His flying career literally took off.

     Along the way, he married and had three daughters. Eventually, he divorced and remarried. His second wife, Donnie passed away in recent years.

For more information, contact Kathy Roudybush, Activities Director at Newhaven Court, at 724.477.8701 or kroudybush@integracare.com.