Pilot for a Day program reaches out to boy stricken with illness

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  On a Learjet a mere six hours after his birth, this animated and vivacious 15-year-old's mom said she felt it was only appropriate for him to be in a jet again - even if it was only a simulator.

Alex Lee was born with congenital heart defects and Down syndrome; his mother Patrice said he wasn't expected to live as long as he has, but Alex was full of life and excitement as he prepared to come onto Eielson Air Force Base Aug. 22 to be a "Pilot for a Day."

The Pilot for a Day program focuses on children who have been 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 family and friends. The program strives to give each child a special day and a break from whatever challenges they may face. Eielson's program is overseen by Iceman 56, an Eielson organization that consists of mid-tier non-commissioned officers.

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

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

Patrice said that 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" by Maj. Corey Hermesch, 18th Aggressor Squadron pilot and Alex's host pilot for the day, he was officially deemed an honorary United States Air Force pilot for a day in the rank of a 3rd lieutenant.

The next stop on the itinerary not only lit up Alex's eyes, but that 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 Patrice as they first saw the F-16 flight simulator Alex was going to fly. Within seconds Robin said the same exact words.

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

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

As Alex made the mock Eielson on screen a safer place, Patrice, Robin, Major Hermesch and Staff Sgt. Burnell Domino, Alex's escort, all hooped and hollered as he got rid of the "bad guys." He was doing so well that Major Hermesch said "Holy Cow Alex, you're an Ace."

Once out of bullets Alex continued to make gun sound effects and look for more "ghost pirates." Robin then asked if Eielson had any ghosts problems to which Major Hermesch replied "Not since Alex has been here!"

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

Throughout the day's events Alex expressed his excitement through smiles, hugs, saluting, and even a kiss on the cheek of one of the female air traffic controllers as he strutted around in his new flight suit. His mom tended to stay in the background wanting to give Alex what she called "his moment."

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

Patrice said she was extremely thankful to the Eielson team for allowing her son this opportunity as it will be something Alex will remember always.

"This program is a result of the hard work of the men and women of the Iceman 56 and the Iceman team," said Tech. Sgt. Crosby Newbill, Iceman 56 president. "We are proud to help offer a special memory for Alex and future "Pilots for a Day."