The Bismarck Tribune

Invalid Plane Pilot Finds Health in Air
Colorado Springs, Colo., March 26. --(A)--Because he is an invalid, Robert Rhea is an aviator. Rhea took a few airplane rides to see whether it would help his health. He found himself stronger after the experience, and determined to learn to fly. Later he qualified for an air pilot's license. Although Rhea spends many a day every year in a hospital, his nerves are always steady for the task of piloting an airplane. He will remain an invalid for the rest of his life. Disease robbed him of full vigor following a breakdown in the army during the World War. To save his life, surgeons removed all his left ribs and collapsed an infected lung. Undaunted, Rhea turned his attention to business, and from his bed he directed the activities of an investment company, a packing house, an automobile agency, built homes for sale and served as a bank director. Thus, during nine years of suffering, he accumulated a fortune. Recently Rhea set out with Capt. Earl Zimmerman on an air health tour which will take them to Florida and then northward to Washington and New York. They will fly back to Colorado Springs by way of Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.