BGSU alumnus takes 100-year-old World War II veteran on flight over northwest Ohio

Barry Behnfeldt ’83 and Navy veteran Bob Masters share a unique connection through their service aboard two generations of the USS Enterprise

Throughout his career in military and commercial aviation, Bowling Green State University alumnus Barry Behnfeldt ‘83 has piloted countless flights – few as memorable as his most recent with a World War II veteran.

Behnfeldt took Bob Masters, a Navy veteran from Perrysburg who turned 101 three days after the flight, in his World War II-era open-cockpit Navy trainer over the farmland of northwest Ohio. The two spent about 18 minutes airborne, with Masters briefly taking the controls.

“I’ve flown all kinds of people around throughout my career,” said Behnfeldt, who retired this year as a captain at Delta Air Lines. “Taking Bob Masters flying in my World War II-era trainer was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in aviation.”

The flight departed from Henry County Airport in Napoleon, Ohio, aboard Behnfeldt’s 1941 Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3, marking Masters’ first time flying in an open-cockpit aircraft.

“The day we had was gorgeous,” Masters said. “Not a cloud in the sky. It was quite enjoyable.”

The flight was organized after a chance meeting in a soybean field. Behnfeldt had landed his plane in the field after capturing some photographs of the harvest season. While talking with the farmer, he learned that the farmer’s uncle was a World War II veteran who served aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6).

Behnfeldt flew F/A-18 Hornets from the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) more than 50 years after Masters served aboard its predecessor. The unique connection between Enterprise sailors from two generations inspired Behnfeldt to propose a commemorative flight aboard a Navy trainer built during the same era in which Masters served in the military.

The gesture reflected Behnfeldt’s continued commitment to supporting and honoring veterans.

He is the founder of a nonprofit organization, 48N48, that promotes aviation, inspires future pilots and supports the Veterans Airlift Command, which provides free flights to combat-injured veterans for medical or compassionate purposes.

Behnfeldt started the organization while planning a successful 2023 world-record attempt to land in all 48 contiguous United States within 48 hours. Since then, his nonprofit has raised more than $150,000 for Veterans Airlift Command.

Behnfeldt also remains deeply engaged with his alma mater, serving on the BGSU Aviation Industry Advisory Board and BGSU Alumni Board while mentoring students preparing for careers in aviation.

“I always enjoy going in and talking to the students and sharing some knowledge on the career path they’re in the midst of getting ready for,” Behnfeldt said. “I love aviation, and I love sharing my experience. I was the first in my family to pursue aviation, and I enjoy helping young people discover the same opportunities that BGSU helped open for me.”