06/03/2026
Today is a big day at Hillcrest Mable Rose. Our resident, Lt. Col. Bruce Starke (USAF, Retired), is taking to the skies as the recipient of a Dream Flight, and we could not be more proud to celebrate him.
Bruce is a Vietnam Veteran who dedicated nearly a third of his life to military service, stationed at nine bases around the world and raising his family along the way. He flew B-52s, served as a flight instructor at air bases in Louisiana and California, held an Operations position on Guam, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. His decorations include the Air Medal with two Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, the AF Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, among many others.
Recently, Bruce had the honor of meeting with Nebraska State Senator Victor Rountree right here at Mable Rose, a moment that speaks to the respect and admiration this community has for the men and women who served.
Today, through our efforts and in partnership with Nebraska Health Care Association and Dream Flights, Bruce will board a restored WWII-era open-cockpit Boeing Stearman Biplane for a 15-minute flight in Lincoln. For a man who spent his career in the air and truly loved every moment of it, this is more than a flight. It is a tribute to a life well lived and a service well given.
We are so grateful for you, Bruce. Blue skies ahead.
Stay tuned for a full recap and Bruce's own account of the experience once he is back on the ground.
