Healthy Hearts Take Flight at the Kelch Aviation Museum
On September 6, 2025, the Kelch Aviation Museum in Brodhead, Wisconsin proved that it’s not just a place for antique airplanes, it’s also the perfect spot to refuel pilots themselves! During the Midwest Antique Aircraft Club’s Annual Grassroots Fly-In, approximately 25 pilots and aviation enthusiasts taxied over to a special educational event focused on health, heart care, and plant-powered living.
The Kelch Aviation Museum generously donated the meeting space (thank you, Pat Weeden and team!) and even helped spread the word. The Midwest Antique Aircraft Club also pitched in with promotions, which meant plenty of curious flyers found their way to our hangar of health. And yes, there was a plant-based taco bar that had everyone saying, “Who knew a “heart-healthy” meal could taste this good?” ️
The Lineup That Took Off
The program was emceed by Meryl Fury, MS, RN, who kept the energy high and the schedule flying smoothly. Our speakers? They brought the kind of stories that make you sit up and take notes:
Jeff Nelson, antique aircraft pilot and owner of Ace Flying Wires, shared his personal story of surviving a heart attack, losing his FAA medical certificate, and, through grit and lifestyle changes, regaining it. His journey struck a chord with fellow pilots, who know just how precious it is to hang onto your health and that medical clearance is.
Ann Wendorf, DNP, RN, APNP-FNP-BC, AG-ACNP-BC, CCRN, a cardiac care expert, gave us the inside scoop on how to recognize circulation problems before they become emergencies. Her advice? Don’t wait until it’s too late, small changes can keep you in the cockpit for years to come.
Donna Meyer, RN, DipACLM, NC-BC wrapped things up with her own inspiring health journey. By shifting to more plant-based foods, she finally broke free of yo-yo dieting and the health issues that came with it. Her story was down-to-earth and gave everyone practical steps to try at home.
A Smooth Landing
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, during which the pilots and enthusiasts in attendance asked thoughtful and insightful questions. From food swaps in the galley to staying flight-ready at any age, the discussion was as engaging as it was inspiring.
Ready for the Next Flight?
This pilot educational session was designed for people who love to fly, especially those who want to keep flying for many years to come. Big shout-out to The Kelch Museum team, the Midwest Antique Aircraft Club, and our supporters, including Carrie Bruno of the Plant-Based Nutrition Movement, who helped us prove that health education and aviation are a perfect match.
With the success of this first event at Kelch, we’re already looking forward to the next one. So, pilots: keep your eyes on the horizon. We’ll be back with more good food, great stories, and practical health tips to keep you running smoothly.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the next event!
