Aviation Career Day

By: Noah Grodzin

On August 26th, Boy Scouts of Hawaii Post 213 hosted an Aviation Career Day at Dillingham Airfield sponsored by Acroflight Aviation with booths from the FAA, Civilian Air Patrol, and the Coast Guard.

The event also celebrated the 100th birthday of John Gleason, who did in fact turn 100 years old on the actual day of the event.

John has lived on Oahu for the past 50 years and was an active pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. He has spent many years donating his time to a range of causes including teaching classes at Chaminade University, the Salvation Army, or helping other Veterans in need. John has always been and continues to be a lifelong passionate aviator.

Showing up with a big smile John boarded a two seat glider with Pilot Steve Lowry for a special birthday flight. After a successful flight John was presented a special declaration from the State of Hawaii House of Representatives to honor his 100th birthday.

Many young aspiring aviators turned out for the career day event. One of the event’s great features was the ability to visit directly with a Coast Guard helicopter MH-65 Dolphin.

The Career Day event was coordinated by Breean LaRance who in 2004 at the age of thirteen set a record for flying from California to Wisconsin and back.

Overall it was a great opportunity for the young kids to meet career aviation people from many paths, while at the same time meeting someone inspiring like John who has lived such a long and productive life.

Happy Birthday John!