Minnesota Vietnam veteran’s dying wish is fulfilled by visiting planes he flew on combat missions

A Vietnam veteran from Minnesota fulfilled his dying wish Tuesday.

Steve Finch of Excelsior got to check out the planes he flew during the war thanks to the Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing.

Finch is diagnosed with terminal cancer and flew in the guard’s C-130 simulator.

"This has been just an amazing time," Finch said.

Finch flew several combat missions in Vietnam.

"We’re honored to have him, to be able to help him out while in turn kind of giving us the same benefit," Col. Jesse Carlson, 133rd Group commander said. "Kind of seeing the people that set the standard for us is really great to have."