Barnstead teen receives Kids Wish Network experience

TILTON — Phoenix Walsh, of Barnstead, learned his dream would be coming true after visiting the New Hampshire Veterans Home on the morning of May 19. Together with his family, Phoenix met with World War II veteran Charles “Charlie” Tanguay, who surprised Phoenix with the news of his Kids Wish Network experience of a lifetime.

Phoenix, 13, has a passion for planes and flying, evidenced by his membership in The Young Eagle flight group and attendance at Pease Air Force base events. Kids Wish Network got to know Phoenix and how he lit up talking about planes and flying, a passion that he hopes to pursue as a career.

Phoenix’s life-threatening conditions will prohibit him from doing many things he has thought of for his future, including serving in the Air Force. He was diagnosed with four heart aneurysms, dangerous conditions where blood vessels bulge or tear, risking a fatal bleed. He also has bicuspid aortic valve, a type of congenital heart defect, and tachycardia, a fast and irregular heartbeat. Phoenix was also born with autism and wears orthopedic leg braces.

When he and the rest of the Walsh-Juckett visited New Hampshire Veterans Home Commandant Kim MacKay welcomed them. She introduced parents Melissa Walsh and Nick Juckett, brother Reece and the guest of honor, Phoenix.

MacKay pointed out the five World War II veterans who reside at NHVH were all seated at the front of the room: Charles ‘Charlie’ Tanguay, U.S. Navy; Winston McCarty, U.S. Army; Stanley Piper, U.S. Army; Richard ‘Dick’ Tinsley, U.S. Navy; and Dwight Smith, U.S. Navy.

Phoenix’s visit with Tanguay was the very beginning of his granted wish, which will continue on June 21.

Tanguay told Phoenix and his family about their upcoming flight to Arizona for his personalized, immersive World War II aviation experience provided by Hope from Above. The experience includes a mission briefing, a 30-minute flight from the Scottsdale Airport to the Raydome and an opportunity to control the aircraft alongside the dedicated, expert pilot.

Phoenix will also fulfill a special mission of taking digital reconnaissance images of the Raydome.

For more information, visit kidswishnetwork.org.