Wings of Freedom: Carrying the Story Forward
Hello from Florida,
The past few weeks have been full of Berlin Airlift moments, conversations, and connections, and once again I’ve been reminded how very much this story is still alive.
From my March trip to Berlin to meetings in Washington, D.C., Charleston, N.C., and interviews here in Florida, I’ve had the privilege of hearing more voices, gathering more stories, and meeting more people who carry a personal connection to this remarkable chapter of history. Every time that happens, I come away inspired, moved, and even more convinced that these stories need to be preserved and shared.
In this newsletter, I’m excited to share a few highlights with you. And if you will be in Berlin in May, let’s grab a coffee ...
Thank you for being here and for following this journey with me.
Bibi
✈️ WINGS OF FREEDOM UPDATE ✈️
An Important Step Forward
I’m excited to share that I am taking the next step with the creation of a non-profit organization: Wings of Freedom.
OUR MISSION
To preserve and share the story and the legacy of the Berlin Airlift by collecting personal accounts and creating educational resources, bringing it to life in ways that move people, spark curiosity, and carry its message of freedom and democracy forward.
VISION
To establish the Berlin Airlift as a lasting symbol of freedom and democracy that continues to shape how future generations think, lead, and act.
What started as my own personal connection to the story of the Berlin Airlift has grown into something much bigger. Through the books, the conversations, the interviews, the research, and the many people this story continues to bring into my life, it has become clear to me that this work is larger than one person. It deserves a structure that can carry it forward, give it room to grow, and preserve it well beyond me.
That is why I have decided to start a non-profit organization. This will allow the work to grow beyond books and speaking, with a clear focus on preserving the story of the Berlin Airlift for future generations.
At the heart of this effort right now is the Voices of the Airlift book project, along with the collection of personal accounts, educational initiatives, and new opportunities to share this history in meaningful ways. The goal is simple and important: to ensure that the human stories behind the Berlin Airlift, and its message of freedom and democracy, continue to be heard, understood, and carried forward.
I’m also grateful to have a small group of dedicated people stepping in to support this work as part of the founding board, and I look forward to introducing them to you soon.
I’m very grateful to everyone who has walked part of this road with me already. Your encouragement, trust, and support have helped bring this next chapter into being. More updates will follow soon.
If you would like to be involved, please hit reply and email me.
✈️ OUR WINNING MOMENT ✈️
Another Award for Wings of Freedom
We are thrilled to share that Wings of Freedom has received another award, making it the 10th award for Wings of Freedom.
Every recognition for this book means so much because the story behind it is bigger than one project. It is about freedom, democracy, courage, and how this chapter of history shaped the world in which we live today.
With each award, this story reaches a little farther.
And that is the true honor.
✈️ VOICES OF THE AIRLIFT UPDATE ✈️
Our Project in Motion
The Voices of the Airlift project has been on the move these past months. In March, I was in Berlin, sitting down with several of the “Luftbrückenkinder” to record their stories and memories. Back in the U.S., the journey continued with meetings in Washington, D.C. at the German and British Embassies, opening new conversations about how this history can be preserved and shared.
Here in Florida, I’ve also had the privilege of meeting more incredible voices: airlift child Irmela Gülcher, 101-year-young WWII veteran Irving Locker, and Richard Dionne, the son of airlift mechanic Ralph Dionne, who shared personal reflections on his father’s experience and how it shaped his life.
Every conversation is different, but they all have one thing in common: they bring the human side of the Berlin Airlift to life in a way no textbook ever could.
This month, I’d like to share a short snippet from my interview with Col. Wolfgang Samuel, known to many as the “German Boy.”
🕯️ In Memory of Evelyne Plünnecke 🕯️
We remember Evelyne Plünnecke, a Berlin Airlift veteran whose life and memories were part of the living history of this extraordinary chapter. Born on October 5, 1935, she passed away on April 2, 2026. Her story remains part of the legacy we are working to preserve through the Voices of the Berlin Airlift book project. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and all who knew and loved her.
🌎 News from Around the Globe 🌎
May 12th End of the Blockade Celebrations
Gail Halvorsen School
On May 12, the Gail S. Halvorsen School warmly invites friends and guests to a Kaffeeklatsch at 13:00.
Following the commemorations at the Airlift Monument at Tempelhof, this gathering offers a chance to come together, share memories, and reflect on the legacy of the Berlin Airlift in a personal and welcoming setting. Named after Gail S. Halvorsen, the school continues to carry forward the values of freedom, responsibility, and friendship that defined the spirit of the airlift.
For more info about the school:
http://www.halvorsen-schule.de/
Presentation at Tempelhof
Also, On May 12, marking the anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade, Tempelhof Airport will host a special presentation titled “Ernst Reuter und die Freiheit Berlins.”
The event highlights the role of Ernst Reuter, whose powerful words and leadership became a symbol of Berlin’s determination and the city’s stand for freedom during the blockade.
A meaningful opportunity to reflect on the historical moment when the airlift succeeded and Berlin’s path toward freedom continued.
News from the Candy Bomber Foundation
Shared by Denise Halvorsen
Denise recently shared an update on upcoming events from the Candy Bomber Foundation, with several meaningful opportunities to remember and celebrate the legacy of the Berlin Airlift.
On May 12 at 1 pm, a special ceremony will take place at West Hills Middle School in the Jordan School District. The event will honor those who gave their lives during the Berlin Airlift and mark the anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade in 1949.
Students will play an important role in the program, including a student exchange with the Gail S. Halvorsen School and West Hills Middle School, as well as German classes from a neighboring high school. The ceremony will include a program, wreath-laying, a candy drop, and recognition of the chocolate bar design winners.
Looking ahead, please also mark your calendars for the Candy Bomber Foundation Gala on September 12. More details are available in the attached flyer. Denise encourages you to share the date with friends and contacts.
A wonderful way to see the next generation carrying forward the spirit of the Candy Bomber.
For more info about the foundation:
https://www.thecandybomber.org/
Thank you so much for reading and for being part of this journey with me.
One of the things I love most about this work is that it continues to connect people, memories, and generations in such meaningful ways. Every story shared, every introduction made, and every kind word of encouragement adds something to this growing circle around the legacy of the Berlin Airlift.
I’m deeply grateful for your interest and support, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon.
With warm greetings from Florida,
Bibi
