Earyl Friday, Lewis climbed into Big Red, a stunt/racing plane owned by Joey Sanders of Sanders Aviation, for a little flying fun. The pair was in the air for about 30 minutes, and while in the sky, Sanders showed Lewis a few of the stunts he does during aerial shows across the country.
They completed several loops and barrel rolls over the airport before they came back in for a landing.
“It was a perfect day for flying, and I loved it,” Lewis said. “I won the bid during last year’s Arc Dinner Auction and have been looking forward to going up.”
Lewis is no stranger to flying. He served as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, and was held as a prisoner of war for six months after being shot down in October 1972.
Lou Vick, executive director of the Arc of Walker County, was also on hand to watch Lewis’ flight, said Sanders donated the flight for the ARC to auction off during last year’s event.
“Lou and all the folks over at the Arc do a wonderful job. They’re our neighbors, and we try to help them in anyway we can,” Sanders said. “When they needed to raise money for their programs, we knew this was one of the ways we could help.”
Sanders said he was also donating a flight this year.
“Folks will be able to bid on the flight and help the ARC at the same time,” Sanders said. “We hope everyone will come out and join in the fun.”
Vick said auction items are still needed and are tax deductible.
The annual Fiesta Fundraiser dinner and auction benefitting the Arc of Walker County will be held Friday, May 9, at Los Reyes Grill. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the auction beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30 each and include a buffet meal and T-shirt.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 205-387-0562.
Read more: Daily Mountain Eagle - Lewis takes flight he bid on during 2013 ARC of Walker County s dinner auction
The Rev. Keith Lewis of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church gives a thumbs up just before taking off in Big Red, the stunt/racing plane owned by Joey Sanders of Sanders Aviation.
