Airlift Memories, Then and Now
Dear {{contact.first_name}},
As summer winds on, I’m filled with gratitude for the people, stories, and unexpected connections that continue to shape this journey. From touching conversations in Berlin to discovering an Airlift veteran living right here in Florida, the legacy of the Berlin Airlift keeps finding new ways to surprise and inspire me.
This newsletter is packed with updates—from the latest on the Voices of the Airlift project to a very special gala dinner hosted by the Candy Bomber Foundation. You’ll also find a Frankfurt trip recap, a glimpse of Hessentag, exciting news from the Spirit of Freedom team, and an afternoon I’ll never forget: meeting Mel Jenner, a 102-year-old Airlift veteran.
Thank you for being part of this mission to keep the spirit – and the lessons - of the Airlift alive—through stories, shared memories, and community.
On wings of inspiration,
Bibi LeBlanc
Voices of the Airlift – A New Chapter Begins
In Berlin this May, something shifted—I went from testing the waters to diving fully into Voices of the Airlift, my next book project. I’ve spoken with incredible people: some I’ve known for years, and others I met simply by walking up to them on the street and asking, “Do you remember?” More often than not, they do.
There are so many layers to this story—big-picture moments and deeply personal memories. I’m starting to see the shape of the book, the different voices, angles, and perspectives it will hold.
Many of you reading this newsletter already share a deep personal connection to the Berlin Airlift. You’ve lived it. You’ve carried the stories. You’ve honored the memory.
Now, I’m inviting you to help preserve those memories in a meaningful way.
I’m working on a new book, Voices of the Airlift, a collection of first-hand stories and reflections—from eyewitnesses, veterans, children, relatives, and others whose lives were touched by the Airlift.
Whether it’s your own memory or one passed down by a loved one, no story is too small. Even a single detail—a sound, a feeling, a moment—can help bring this powerful history to life for future generations.
👉 I’d love to hear from you—or someone you know. You can share your story in writing, over Zoom, or in a short interview—whatever works best for you.
Let’s keep these voices alive. Together, we’ll create a lasting tribute to the spirit of the Airlift.
CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY
One of the most unexpected moments this summer was meeting Melvin "Mel" Jenner, a 102-year-old WWII and Berlin Airlift veteran, right here in Florida.
It all started with a visit to the Museum of Military History in Kissimmee. I had stopped by to introduce Wings of Freedom for their store. As I spoke with the young man at the front desk, he casually mentioned that a WWII vet visits regularly. Incredulous, I asked, “He’s still alive?” He smiled and said, “Yes—he’s 102. And he flew in the Berlin Airlift.” I nearly fell over.
A week later, I had the honor of meeting Mel in person. He not only shared his memories for the upcoming Voices of the Airlift book with me—he even put on his uniform for our visit! That gesture so touched me! And it was a powerful reminder that the Berlin Airlift isn’t just history—it’s personal. It lives on in the memories, hearts, and pride of those who were there.
Thank you, Mel, for your service and for allowing me to carry your story forward!
In May, I returned to Berlin for the 76th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade—a city and a story that continue to shape my life in unexpected ways!
From honoring the legacy of the Berlin Airlift at the Tempelhof Memorial to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, the trip was both emotional and energizing.
I visited schools, museums, and memorials, and spoke with Berliners—some I knew, others I met by simply asking, “Do you remember the Airlift?” Many did, and were eager to share.
As always, Berlin had a way of grounding me in the past while inspiring the future of this work.
You’re Invited – A Message
from Denise Halvorsen
“You are invited to the Candy Bomber Foundation’s Annual Gala Dinner to celebrate the legacy of my father, Col. Gail S. Halvorsen—the original Berlin Candy Bomber—and learn how you can be involved in our mission to carry his message forward.
Using the tool of STEM education, we hope to share the guiding principles he lived by—hope, gratitude, service, and compassion—with school-age children of all ages.
We need your support, your presence, and your interest to continue this work.
Please join us on October 11, 2025, at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda for an evening of storytelling, connection, and purpose.”
— Denise Halvorsen
Trustee, Candy Bomber Foundation
🎟️ Details & tickets: thecandybomber.org/latest-events/the-gala
BERLIN AIRLIFT HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
✈️ Spirit of Freedom Honored at Oshkosh
The Spirit of Freedom, the flying museum operated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation (BAHF), continues to bring history to life at airshows across the country—and was just honored at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 with a major award:
🏆 Judge’s Choice: Flying Museum
This beautifully restored C-54 Skymaster, which flew missions during the Berlin Airlift, now serves as a mobile tribute to the courage, cooperation, and compassion that defined the operation. Step aboard to explore the onboard museum and meet the dedicated crew keeping this legacy flying.
📍 Check out their 2025 show schedule below and don’t miss your chance to visit!
BERLIN AIRLIFT ASSOCIATION 1948-1949 e.V.
Hessentag* 2025 in Bad Vilbel a Huge Success
"Hessentag 2025 welcomed over 950,000 visitors in just ten days—beating all expectations, in spite of the summer heat! On the three school days, we were also able to share the story of the Berlin Airlift with many young people—how former enemies became friends, and how the foundation of democracy in Germany was laid.
We had a great tent and pavilions set up outside, with lots of roll-up banners, information boards, and display cases. We were able to expand our reach significantly—even a new eyewitness approached us!
Wonderful encounters, wonderful stories, a wonderful event! We're looking forward to participate again in Fulda 2026!"
Susanne Kornegay
Secretary
Berlin Airlift Association
*Hessentag (literally "Hesse Day") is a state-wide cultural festival in Hesse, Germany, held annually in a different city or town within the state. It began in 1961 as a way to strengthen cultural identity and unity among Hessians after WWII and has since grown into one of Germany’s largest and longest-running regional festivals.
🎧 DISCOVER THE VETERANS' VOICE
BERLIN AIRLIFT SERIES
In my ongoing research for Voices of the Airlift, I recently came across a fascinating podcast series: The Veterans’ Voice. This show shares personal accounts from veterans, and several episodes focus specifically on the Berlin Airlift.
It’s a powerful way to hear the history in the voices of those who lived it—bringing the events, challenges, and human connections of the Airlift vividly to life.
If you enjoy hearing stories told firsthand, I highly recommend giving it a listen. You can find it here: The Veterans’ Voice – Berlin Airlift Series.
of the Berlin Airlift
Wings of Freedom began as a heartfelt tribute to one of history's finest chapters—and it’s been deeply moving to see it resonate so widely. I’m honored to share that the book has now received nine national and international awards, with recognition from:
🏅 Next Gen Indie Book Awards
🏅 Human Relations Indie Book Awards
🏅 Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA)
🏅 Chanticleer International Book Awards
🏅 Eric Hoffer Award
🏅 International Book Awards
These acknowledgments aren’t just about the book—they’re about keeping the story of the Berlin Airlift alive for new generations!
🕊️ Carrying the Story Forward
As I reflect on the past few months—from Berlin to Wiesbaden, from museum visits to meeting veterans like Mel Jenner—I’m reminded again and again of the power of storytelling.
During my recent trip to the Frankfurt/Wiesbaden area, I sat down with people who were children during the Berlin Airlift and a rabbi. Their memories and their stories were vivid, emotional, and deeply moving. These conversations are the heartbeat of the Voices of the Airlift project—preserving what might otherwise be lost.
I’ll be heading back to Germany next week to continue gathering these stories, and I carry the encouragement and support I've received from you with me every step of the way.
There’s still so much to uncover—and so many voices waiting to be heard.
With heartfelt gratitude,
