6/15/26

A Dream Comes True at RBJH

Dream Flight: From Model Planes to Open Skies: Ralph Burin’s Unforgettable Journey

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is grounded in the Mitzvah of Mipnei Seiva Takum—to rise and show respect for the aged. This guiding value is brought to life each day through the meaningful relationships formed between staff and residents — relationships rooted in knowing each individual and what matters most to them. Such is the case with resident Ralph Burin.

Burin, an Army veteran, recently experienced an unforgettable adventure high above the Nebraska skies thanks to the Dream Flights Program.

Dream Flights, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Give Back to Those Who Gave,” travels across the country providing free flights to military veterans living in senior living communities. Through its partnership with the Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA), Dream Flights brings joy, gratitude, and excitement to veterans across America, honoring their service in a truly unique way. Each year, nearly 800 veterans nationwide are given the opportunity to take flight and create lasting memories.

Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities & Volunteer Services, nominated Burin for this honor. That level of personalized care is what made this moment possible — when the opportunity came across her desk, Maggie immediately knew who it was for.

“I learned about the opportunity through an email from the Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA), which partnered with Dream Flights. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to pursue it for one of our residents. After reviewing our veteran residents, Ralph immediately stood out as the perfect candidate. He is an all-around great guy, and his lifelong passion for aviation made him an ideal choice for this incredible experience. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. Everything came together beautifully, and it was wonderful to see Ralph enjoy such a memorable and well-deserved adventure. You should see how RBJH treated him when he got home – like a rock star,” Conti said.

For Burin, the experience was especially meaningful. From an early age, airplanes captured Ralph’s imagination. His fascination with flight was never a passing interest; it became woven into the fabric of who he was. Over the years, he meticulously built model airplanes by hand, of World War I aircraft that once hung proudly in his office.

“When Ralph learned he had been selected for a Dream Flight, his excitement was immediate and unmistakable,” Conti said. “He instantly recognized the image vintage Boeing Stearman biplane upon seeing it and shared that he wanted to feel the wind on his face again,” Conti said.

Ralph’s simple wish carried decades of memories and anticipation. On June 3, Ralph’s dream became reality. Ralph was one of eight fortunate veterans from across Nebraska selected to take part in the day’s flights. He rose early to make the trip to Lincoln. Once there Ralph participated in a welcoming ceremony attended by Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert.

Ralph served his country with honor after being inducted into the United States Army in January 1967.

During his two years of service, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Dix, New Jersey; and Camp Hovey in South Korea. While serving overseas, he managed PLL operations and served as Battalion Artist, documenting military life through sketches, photography, and design work. His artistic talents helped preserve the stories and experiences of fellow soldiers while supporting military leadership. His time in Asia also reflected his curiosity and appreciation for different cultures. Ralph embraced Korean cuisine and customs and treasured opportunities to travel and explore Japan.

Born in Palestine in 1942, Ralph immigrated to the United States as a teenager and built a life defined by creativity, education, and service. He later taught Art History and Art Appreciation at colleges across the country, inspiring countless students to see beauty, meaning, and connection in the world around them. Friends, family, and caregivers know Ralph as someone who enjoys sharing stories, making connections, and embracing life’s adventures with enthusiasm. His Dream Flight was a fitting tribute to a man who has spent a lifetime creating, teaching, and exploring.

“We want to give special thanks to Ralph’s wife Kathy Burin, RBJH Certified Nursing Assistant Matisse Legonou, our transportation crew, and Amy Anderson, RBJH Activities Coordinator, for helping make this memorable day possible and sharing the adventure with Ralph.  It truly took a village, with staff from every department of the home cheering him on and helping bring this dream to life,” Conti said.

Moments like this reflect the broader experience families trust RBJH to provide — one where residents are not only cared for, but truly known, celebrated, and given opportunities to continue living meaningful and fulfilling lives.

When the plane touched down and Ralph stepped back onto solid ground, his joy was evident. With a smile, he summed up the experience in just a few words:

“Hurray, hurray; it was very freeing.”

For Ralph, the flight was more than a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a celebration of a life well lived, a tribute to his military service, and a reminder that dreams can still take flight. At RBJH, it’s these deeply personal moments that turn everyday care into something extraordinary.