Getting calls from my friends about something they have witnessed that might be newsworthy is not unusual. Getting one saying they just saw an old airplane with smoke coming out of it looking like it was out of control is far from usual.

 

Such was the case about 11 months ago, Sept. 8 of last year to be exact, when the call came. I immediately checked the Harrison-Taylor 911 media log and saw nothing, so I proceeded to do the next best thing for aviation information.

 

I called North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock. As is generally the case, he answered.

 

The inquiry to him was related to a plane coming in for a landing that had smoke pouring out of it. He said such was the case, and I told him I would be on my way there.

 

Imagine the confusion when I showed up and saw zero emergency vehicles. The confusion grew upon entering the NCWV Terminal to head to Rock’s office where he was outside and talking to an individual without what seemed to be a care in the world.

 

I asked him about the plane. He then introduced me to Joseph Oliverio – the pilot. The confusion was even greater at this point.

 

In short order, the confusion was cleared. There was indeed a plane with smoke pouring from it heading to the NCWV Airport. However, it was not in distress, which Rock had no idea was where my questioning came from.

 

Instead, it was part of the Mountaineer Heroes of Honor Foundation’s annual fundraising event, which we will return to shortly. And, yes, the plane in question was an old one. Actually, it was a real old one.

 

Oliverio was controlling the wings of a 1942 World War II Stearman. For those that do not know, that is a Boeing bi-wing aircraft. The open cockpit plane seats two people.

 

The good news? It will be returning to Bridgeport again Sept. 13 at the Bridgeport Country Club. The better new is that the proceeds that will be raised in the event the old aircraft is part of will go to benefit veterans. The best news? For those wanting a chance to get on board, there are a few slots left.

 

Actually, the fundraising part is the best news, but I digress. Perhaps it is time to talk more about the Foundation. It is part of everything that is right for a community that continually takes care of its own.

 

The Mountaineer Heroes of Honor Foundation started as a result of Oliverio flying a group of men to a location in Iowa via a jet a few years back. During the trip, he learned the passengers were heading there to take part in a big golf tournament to raise money for veterans.

 

“I was in the Army for nine years and I’ve seen the needs there are for veterans, and wondered why we couldn’t do something like that here,” Oliverio said.

 

That eventually led to the foundation getting its start, and ironically a strong one, during the 2020 COVID year and managed to raise $100,000. Since then, they have hit an annual mark of $150,000. The group plans to do it again this year with their annual golf tournament the key component to raise the funds.

 

And for the record, the Oliverio said the group consists of Josh Wycoff, President (former Marine); Oliverio, the vice president (former Army); David Peasak, treasurer; Nicole Oliverio, secretary; Dr. Tim Peasak (former Army); Zachariah Davis (former Army); Tristan Jenkins (former Army); Joel Kirk (former Marine and retired Air Force); and Ronnie Roberts.

 

“We pride ourselves on being a full non-profit. All of the proceeds are going to veterans, and we also try to do the event around 9/11 as well,” said Oliverio.

 

During the first year in 2020 at the dinner that follows the golf tournament, the speaker was a veteran who served in Benghazi in Libya. The dinner, the speaker, the tournament, the auction that was held, the Bridgeport Fire Department setting up in front of the golf course, and all the intangibles involved were all well received.

 

There has also been an appearance of a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter. Those who know history would know it by the name Vietnam veterans refer to it – a Huey.

 

“It was pretty powerful to see that. There were some veterans who cried,” said Oliverio. “The one we had visit us has since crashed, so we hope to find another one. All of the things we’ve done early on has let us know we had something.”

 

Starting in year five, it would be hard to argue that point. Oliverio said the sponsorship of putting a foursome into the field ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. For those wanting to play, the field is full.

 

“We sold out a 30-team field within 30 days, which was a little slower than usual with the economy,” said Oliverio. “Even with that, we had a great response.”

 

The golf, the dinner, the Stearman, a band, and even a late-evening fireworks show is part of the day at the Bridgeport Country Club. That is just a sample of what those attending will see.

 

“It’s a full-day event,” Oliverio said.

 

Oliverio is encouraging the public, particularly veterans, to come out for an 11 a.m. flyover during the National Anthem at the golf tournament. He said folks are welcome to stay as long as they would like and can come back and catch the fireworks later that evening.

 

Before then, however, there is still a chance for a few folks to get involved. The Stearman will be available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis until there are no more time slots. Oliverio said slots are limited as many of the diamond package golf sponsors have a flight included.

 

“The cost is in the range of $300 to be flown in the Stearman out of the North Central West Virginia Airport,” said Oliverio.

 

If interested in flying on Friday, Sept. 13, contact Oliverio at 304-282-8049.

 

“It’s a remarkable aircraft. It’s a piece of history,” he said.

 

While this event is definitely taking place, Oliverio hinted at something else. He would like to see an airshow return to the area. Although it would not be to the scale of the massive airshow that took place at the NCWV Airport days before the 9/11 attack, it would be something the community can embrace.

 

Will it happen? That remains to be seen. But, if it benefits the veterans and Oliverio and his crew are involved, I am not betting against it.

 

Stay tuned.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the Stearman flying over Bridgeport last year, while the second image shows the view of the city from the plane that you have a chance to fly on. The third photo is a shot of the actual plane in flight followed by a photo of Joseph Oliverio piloting the plane in the area in 2023. In the fifth image, the Stearman is shown at the NCWV Airport. Bottom photo shows a check presentation of $10,000 being made by the group to the Fairmont State Foundation for scholarships to go to veterans looking to enter the school's flight program.