Five Favorite Customer Memories of 2011

Jim L. standing in front of the B-25 Bomber that helped make his dream come true

At each of our weekly company meetings we read aloud at least one customer comment we've recently received.  Sometimes these comments make us laugh, sometimes they pull at our heartstrings, but they always inspire us to live life to the fullest.

Here's five of our favorite customer memories from 2011.  Thanks, and we hope you all keep living out your dreams!

• "Took this ride to take my Father's ashes for a spin before we laid him to rest.  He was supposed to do this with a friend so I took him instead.  Everyone was very respectful of my wishes and I'm sure my Dad enjoyed it as much as I did.  Thank you again."  Colby Brown, Drive a Stock Car
• Since childhood, it had always been my dream to share part of what my father, a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot in WWII, had experienced. He was taken from us at a far too-early age, but I've always tried to emulate his life. My wife and family surprised me on my 64th birthday by giving me a Cloud 9 experience -- a ride in a B-25 Mitchell bomber, the same type of aircraft that my father flew. I was able to ride right behind the pilot and watched in awe as they ran through the pre-flight checklist and then lifted off for a most amazing flight. As I glanced to the left of my seat, I saw hanging on a hook, a WWII flight officer's cap ... just like the one my father wore. I was engulfed in an overwhelming sense that he was there on the plane with me. I will always be grateful to my family, the wonderful people at Cloud 9, and the Commemorative Air Force crew at St. Paul, MN for providing this incredibly meaningful experience.  Jim Landerkin, North American B-25 Bomber Ride in Minneapolis
• "This was the second best birthday gift I've ever received (1st being the birth of my youngest son, who was born the day after my birthday)!!!  I was at a loss for words.  My instructor was Ted, and he ensured that I was informed and comfortable from the initial phone call.  I have told everyone about my experience and all were in complete awe!  I have always dreamed of flying, and you guys assisted with making this dream come true... THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!"  Drake Booker, Aerobatic Thrill Ride
• "The bungee jump allowed me to conquer a fear of heights, a fear of the unknown, and a fear of commitment simultaneously.  For me, all three of those were combined into a single moment.  It was extremely difficult to take the leap, but I did it!  Now I feel more confident in overcoming similar challenges, and I look forward to events like this in the future."  Derek Padula, Bridge to Nowhere Bungee Jump
• "I am 64 years old, overweight and I had a hard time getting into the stock car but let me tell you about the fun I had.  Absolutely one of the highlights of my life and I have had many!"  Franco B., Drive a Stock Car

See more memories and pictures sent to us from experience participants on the Cloud 9 Living Wall of Fame