Eielson Airmen turn child into pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) --  Eielson Air Force Base Airmen made a 15-year-old's dream come true as base members turned the boy into a pilot for a day Aug. 22 here.

Alex Lee was born with congenital heart defects and Down syndrome and wasn't expected to live as long as he has, but Alex was full of life and excitement as he became a pilot for a day.

The Pilot for a Day program focuses on children stricken with illnesses that have taken over their lives. At times these children may spend more time in a hospital than they do with their families and friends. The program strives to give each child a special day and a break from whatever challenges they face. 

One of the first things Alex got to experience on his day was put on his Air Force pilot flight suit.

"I can't believe the flight was able to get a suit that fits him," said his mother, Patrice Lee. "I don't think he'll ever take it off."

Ms. Lee said Alex has been the smallest child in his school district for a long time. After his last heart surgery he grew eight inches in one year. Although Alex is still very small in stature and build, his personality and constant smile are large and fill up every room he enters.

After Alex was "sworn in" the Air Force by Maj. Corey Hermesch, an 18th Aggressor Squadron pilot and Alex's host pilot for the day, he was officially deemed an honorary Air Force pilot for a day in the rank of a third lieutenant.

The next stop on the tour of the base not only lit up Alex's eyes, but those of his mom and Robin Davis, the Make-A-Wish Foundation representative who nominated Alex for the program.

"This is the ultimate video game," said Ms. Lee as they first saw the F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulator Alex was going to fly. 

Alex seemed to agree as he got the simulated aircraft off the ground and started engaging mock enemies.

"I got you, ghost pirates!" he shouted at the screen, referring to one of his favorite cartoons, "Scooby Doo."

He did so well Major Hermesch said, "Holy Cow Alex, you're an Ace."

Alex's day continued with various other events to include going to the air traffic control tower to watch real F-16s launch and a night-vision goggle demonstration.

Throughout the day's events, Alex expressed his excitement through smiles, hugs, salutes, and even a kiss on the cheek of one of the female air traffic controllers as he strutted around in his new flight suit. 

The excitement emitted by Alex seemed to be infectious, and Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper, the 354th Fighter Wing commander, conveyed to Ms. Lee how excited everyone was to do this for her extraordinary son.

Ms. Lee said she was extremely thankful to the base members for allowing her son the opportunity and that Alex will remember this day always.

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