'Pilot For A Day' Event For Inspirational Kids
by Iowa Air
National Guard Staff Sgt. Katelyn Noel 132d Wing Public Affairs June
8, 2023
On June 4, 2023, the 132d Wing hosted a
"Pilot for a Day" event, at the Des Moines Airbase. The event
brought together four young patients and their families from local
Iowa children's hospitals and the Soldiers and Airmen of the Iowa
National Guard, transforming the dreams of these resilient children
into a tangible reality.
 June 4, 2023 - The 132d
Wing hosted a "Pilot for a Day" event, at the Des Moines
Airbase. The event brought together four young patients and
their families from local Iowa children's hospitals and the
Soldiers and Airmen of the Iowa National Guard with some
dressed as superheroes. (Image created by USA Patriotism!
from Iowa Air
National Guard photos by Senior Airman Victoria Hanson, 132d
Wing, Public Affairs.)
|
Charlie, an 8-year-old boy from Nevada, IA
was born with several congenital heart defects that required surgery
shortly after birth. Due to complications from his heart defects
Charlie has a tracheostomy tube and ventilator to help him breathe,
cerebral palsy, and is being considered for a kidney transplant.
Charlie remains an outgoing and happy young boy who brings a smile
to everyone he meets.
Mia, a 6-year-old girl, was diagnosed
with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the Iowa City
children’s hospital in 2020. After two and a half years of
treatment, multiple ports and rounds of chemotherapy, and battling
diabetes, Mia is cancer free. She hopes to one day make it to Disney
World and tell of the princesses that she beat cancer!
Sage,
a 5-year-old boy, was diagnosed with B-Cell ALL in 2022. He battled
the cancer all while remaining a smart, sweet, and inquisitive
rule-follower. He is a nature lover, enjoys movie snuggles with mom,
building things with dad, wrestling his brother, and is a fan of all
superheroes.
Sawyer, a 7-year-old boy from Diagonal, IA was
diagnosed with B-Cell ALL in 2021. His cancer treatment had a rough
start, with many overnight hospital stays. Sawyer enjoys all things
sports and outdoors, including basketball, fishing, and dirt bike
riding. After 849 days, on May 26th, 2023, Sawyer rang the bell,
signifying the completion of his cancer journey.
The four
children were greeted by leadership, given their own flight suites,
and had the opportunity to test the MQ-9 Reaper simulator and sit in
the cockpit of an UH-60 Blackhawk. Other Army and Air Force aircraft
and equipment were also on display for the kids to experience. Each
child was assigned a personal Air Force pilot as their guide,
mentor, and source of inspiration throughout the day. Through this
immersive experience, these young heroes were treated to an
unforgettable day of exploration, inspiration, and a chance to
experience the life of a pilot.
 June 4, 2023 - The 132d
Wing hosted a "Pilot for a Day" event, at the Des Moines
Airbase. The event brought together four young patients and
their families from local Iowa children's hospitals and the
Soldiers and Airmen of the Iowa National Guard including
interacting with some of the soldiers and airmen while
enjoying their time in one the base's aircrafts. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from Iowa Air
National Guard photo by Senior Airman Victoria Hanson, 132d
Wing, Public Affairs.)
|
“Our mission today was to
generate as many smiles as possible for these kids and create an
amazing day that they’d never forget in hopes of replacing some of
the tough days they’re trying to forget. They’ve been through some
of the toughest situations imaginable (even to a grown adult) and
yet they continue to display such happy, positive attitudes,” said
Lt. Col. Todd “Sling” Glade, Commander, 132d Operations Support
Squadron.
Throughout the event, the Soldiers and Airmen not
only shared their passion but also took the opportunity to
accomplish training and community outreach. The mentors always
encouraged the kids and their families to believe in their own
abilities and to always reach for the skies.
“Frequently
hosting and educating our community neighbors and showcasing the
benefits the Iowa Guard has to offer is vital to strengthening our
working relationships with them resulting in a much stronger
community,” said Glade.
The Iowa Air National Guard’s "Pilot
for a Day" event stands as a testament to the ability of the human
spirit to rise above adversity, and the profound impact that a
community can have when it comes together to support those in need.
It serves as a reminder that dreams can become a reality, and that
even amidst challenges, hope and joy can flourish.
“The
incredible strength, determination and resiliency of these young
kids, especially after all they’ve been through in such a short
amount of time, is both amazing and inspiring- they truly set the
example for us to follow and today we learned from them,” said
Glade.
Americans |
We The People
|
America's Destiny |
America's Symbol
|
Colors Run True |
Old Glory |
One Nation Under God
Give Thanks | Love and Pride of USA
|
National Will |
God and Country |
America, My Home!
Our Valiant Troops |
I Am The One |
Uncommon Valor
|
Veterans |
Citizens Like Us |
Spouses Serve Too
|
|