Bill's Story
Flyboy

Bill’s hometown is Topeka, Kansas, and he is a grandfather of 12. He served in the Korean War as a paratrooper and now volunteers as an after school grandfather, helping students make model airplanes. 
  
Someone told me that you’re an After School Grandfather. What is that?
That all started when I met Johnny – he’s the 10-year-old son of Marcus, our community’s executive chef. Johnny is an only child and his grandparents live up north. Marcus saw me making model airplanes in the woodshop one day and asked if I wouldn’t mind teaching Johnny how to make an airplane. Now Johnny comes by every Thursday. He called me his “after school grandfather” and the name just stuck.
 
And now you’re making planes for a good cause?
Yes, Johnny brings a few of his classmates each week. We’ve set a goal to make 50 airplanes to donate to the local holiday toy drive. We’ve got a real assembly line going!
 
It’s no surprise model airplanes are your specialty; you’re a pilot, right?
I was a commercial pilot for 38 years. Before that, I was a Navy pilot. Now at Horizon Bay I’m able to continue my love of flight by helping the kids make all of these wonderful airplanes. It’s rewarding; I’m proud of them – and it feels good knowing I’m making a difference in the their lives.

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