Young man facing health challenges finds out about trip of a lifetime from WWII vet

WWII veteran Charlie Tanguay, right, visits with Phoenix Walsh while other WWII veterans listen in. from left Stanley Piper, US Army; Winston McCarty, US Army and Dwight Smith, US Navy (Courtesy photo).

TILTON - Our veteran heroes and the Kids Wish Network never stop giving back.

Earlier this month a World War II veteran living at the New Hampshire Veterans Home relayed some wonderful news and shared war stories with a young Granite Stater suffering from three life-threatening conditions

Phoenix Walsh, 13, of Barnstead was informed at the Veterans Home by World War II veteran Charles "Charlie" Tanguay that he had been gifted by the Kids Wish Network with his personalized wish, an immersive WWII aviation experience provided by Hope from Above.

The Kids Wish Network will be picking up the tab for Phoenix and his family to make the trip.

The experience includes a mission briefing, a 30-minute flight from the Scottsdale (Arizona) Airport to the Raydome, in Phoenix, during which Phoenix will have a chance to briefly and safely control the aircraft along with another pilot.

This special young teen will also fulfill a special mission of taking digital reconnaissance images of the Raydome. The authentically detailed experience will create extraordinary memories for Phoenix.

The experience of a lifetime will begin with a meaningful visit with Tanguay while learning of his personal WWII stories.

At the young age of 13, Phoenix has a true passion for planes and flying, evidenced by his membership in The Young Eagle Flights group.

Phoenix has three serious life-threatening conditions. He was diagnosed with an aneurysm of the heart, a dangerous condition where a blood vessel bulges or tears, risking a fatal bleed. He also has bicuspid aortic valve, a type of congenital heart defect, and tachycardia, a fast and irregular heartbeat.

Phoenix and his family will make the trip after June 21 when school lets out.

About Kids Wish Network

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. They are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. After starting with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions, they have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.

About the New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH):

Since 1890, the New Hampshire Veterans Home has provided a Home and health resource for Granite State armed forces veterans. The NHVH's mission is to provide the best quality of life for NH Veterans with dignity, honor and respect.