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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -On Veterans Day, retired Army pilot Jim Hamilton took to the skies one last time in a ceremonial “Fini Flight,” honoring his decades of service and lifelong passion for aviation. Hamilton, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, flew the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog from 1949 to 1958. On Monday, he climbed back into the cockpit of the same aircraft model that launched his aviation career more than 70 years ago. “This was the foundation of my aviation career,” Hamilton said, reflecting on his time in the military. “It’s the best airplane I’ve ever flown. We have a special love affair because it gave me an opportunity to be in the airplane business that I couldn’t afford to do. The Army put me on trail for a wonderful career.” The flight was organized by the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, which hosted a ceremony to recognize his service and the contributions of all military veterans. “This started it all for me right here,” Hamilton said, standing beside the aircraft. “What a treat to see it, touch it, and look at it and see that, hey, we’re still friends.” The day’s biggest surprise came when Hamilton learned he would be going airborne once more, with one of his former students piloting the flight. The moment marked a full-circle experience for the veteran. “The era of aviation that he grew up in — I admire the most,” said Barry Avent, a longtime friend of Hamilton. “The ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. I just appreciate the idea of what we have to be able to do this, and he gave me an opportunity to learn an awfully lot about all the airplanes.” In addition to honoring Hamilton, the Celebrate Freedom Foundation announced plans to repurpose the nearby U.S. Customs building into the South Carolina Aerospace STEM Academy Lab. The initiative aims to continue the foundation’s mission of empowering the next generation through education and mentorship from veterans. Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
