Pilot recreates WWII candy drop flights for Gilmer ISD students

GILMER, Texas (KLTV) - The forecast over Upshur County today? Candy rain. At least at Fox Stephens Field Airport anyway. The event held there was to commemorate Gail Halvorsen’s supply and candy drops to the people of Berlin at the end of WW II.

Who’d have thought that candy could be educational? Well, as it turns out it certainly can be when applied to a concept by Flight of the Phoenix Aviation Museum CEO Steve Dean. He says after WW II the Russians put a blockade on Berlin and:

“One of the pilots got the idea to drop candy for the kids. And so, that became a world famous, worldwide activity that took legs of its own,” Dean said.

In preparation for the event, Gilmer ISD fifth graders studied the Candy Bomber. And for some reason are excited about the reenactment, like Blakely Traylor. But not for the reason you might think.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. My grandpa flies planes and I love planes,” Blakely said.

And of course, there’s the candy, which excited everyone. Gilmer fifth grade science teacher Eric Lunsford thinks this is quite the lesson.

“It’s a pretty good part of history that people might not know about. And it’s pretty interesting for the kids. Especially for them to see it in person. It’s another interesting thing for them. And they’ll definitely remember it forever,” Lunsford said.

Some brave teachers got a ride in a small plane. Lunsford signed up for a flight, like he did last year, but he was assigned a different aircraft this time.

“You ever been in a helicopter?“ I asked.

“Never. I’m a little nervous,” Lunsford replied.

Small planes carrying Gilmer ISD Faculty took to the skies, as did Eric in the chopper. All landed safely, then there was a brief airshow. That same helicopter lifted again, playing the part of the bomber.

“I really like how people in the community are gathering to show kids, the future generation, all about history. I think it’s really cool,” Blakely said.

And what does Blakely foresee in her future? A pilot’s license.

This was the eleventh annual Candy Bomber reenactment. Steve Dean says as long as there are fifth graders, he will hold the event.

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