Even after a decade-long career in the armed forces, Captain Gary Dyson couldn’t stay away from the skies or saving lives.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A local veteran is continuing his love of flying and serving others long after his military career ended.
Captain Gary Dyson is a U.S. Air Force veteran from Eads, Tennessee, who, after more than ten years in uniform, has spent over 25 years volunteering as chief pilot for the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world’s only accredited teaching hospital aboard an MD-10 aircraft.
The captain flies around the globe, while fighting avoidable blindness, and continuing his lifelong mission to serve.
“Flying is fun, and it’s a skill that you can use to help others. Orbis has been the way that I have found to help others for over 25 years now,” said Captain Dyson.
Captain Dyson’s mission to help others doesn’t just end in the air; he also volunteers locally at a thrift shop and with Tennessee disaster relief, assisting in recovery efforts after damaging storms.
“When storms hit, I work with a team to help people who’ve had trees blown down, their houses wrecked, and things like that,” said Dyson.
Along with having worked as a pilot for over three decades, Captain Dyson also mentors the next generation of young pilots and currently active reserve members.
Every Veterans Day, he honors those who served, including his father, a Navy veteran of World War II.
This year is no different for Captain Dyson.
“I just try to remember those that I’ve served with those who are no longer with us. The sacrifices they’ve made to help us stay free,” said Dyson.
Captain Dyson told ABC24 that his years in the Air Force and his work with Orbis gave him a newfound appreciation for life and his community.
“We take so much for granted here, and we complain about so many things. Then you go to other countries and you see how hard it is for some people to make ends meet in other countries. They don’t have the freedoms we have,” Captain Dyson said.
The captain said he’ll keep volunteering here at home in Memphis.
Even as he gets older, he plans to continue flying for Orbis, helping more people see the world as clearly as he does.
