For most of us, the thought of getting on a plane might be terrifying. At the very least, we may see it as a means to an end of reaching a destination. For Bruce Fugate, it means so much more. The Air Force veteran who fought in the Gulf War says it takes away a lot of his worries.

When you're on the ground you have a million worries," he said. "Problems that are pressing you. Things you know you need to do or should have done. But when you're in the air that just seems to go away.

You could say Fugate appreciates that chance more than most right now to have his worries dissolved, even for the few minutes he was in the air recently. Fugate has been receiving hospice care at EveryStep in Des Moines. According to KCCI, it was his wish to be at the helm of a plane once again at the Ankeny Airport.

We Are Iowa has some amazing video footage of Fugate fulfilling his simple, yet meaningful dream.

Flying has always been in the 53-year-old Fugate's DNA, growing up wanting to be an astronaut, but instead becoming a pilot and joining the Air Force. We speak for everyone in Iowa in thanking Fugate for his service and sacrifice and wish him and his loved ones the best in his health battles.

104-5 KDAT logo
Get our free mobile app

Want to keep up to date with the latest in local and music news? Download our app! It's completely free and not only will you be the first to know about breaking news, but we'll also keep you updated on concerts and other events coming to the area. Get the free app today.

LOOK: What 25 Historic Battlefields Look Like Today

The following is an examination of what became of the sites where America waged its most important and often most brutal campaigns of war. Using a variety of sources, Stacker selected 25 historically significant battlefields in American history. For each one, Stacker investigated what happened there when the battles raged as well as what became of those hallowed grounds when the fighting stopped.

These are the battlefields that defined the United States military’s journey from upstart Colonial rebels to an invincible global war machine.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Iowa

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Iowa using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

More From 104-5 KDAT