News

3d AS launches Pilot for a Day program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover gave two best friends an experience of a lifetime as they became pilots with the 3d Airlift Squadron for a day.

Ben Carter, 9, and Blake Boyer, 8, both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, were selected to be honored in the first Pilot for a Day program hosted by the 3d AS Oct. 26, 2015, at Dover AFB, Delaware.

The program was organized by Capt. Taylor Todd, 3d AS current operations flight commander. Todd has hosted the Pilot for a Day program at previous assignments and thought it would be a great addition to the partnership between Dover AFB and the community.

"It's a great program and I feel that every base could benefit from it, said Todd. "Being able to see the joy on the kids' faces is a very memorable moment and is something that will last a lifetime."

Ben and Blake started off their day at the 3d Airlift Squadron greeted by a tunnel of Airmen. They then received their own flight suits with customized name and squadron patches and were coined by Chief Master Sgt. Robert Johnson, 3d AS chief enlisted manager, and Master Sgt. Elden Pelletier, 3d AS first sergeant.

The two boys were then chauffeured to numerous agencies around base in a Humvee provided by the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. The day's activities included a static display of the C-17 Globemaster III, a chance to fly the C-17 simulator and a military working dog demonstration. They also visited  the EOD flight, watched a simulated rescue by the fire department, took a tour of the air traffic control tower and enjoyed a flight around the Dover area provided by the Aero Club.

Each agency presented their piece of the Team Dover mission and let the boys get plenty of hands-on time with the equipment and tools that Airmen use on a day-to-day basis. Elizabeth Carter, Ben's mom, said this type of experience is something her son has always dreamed of.

"My son is a military buff and has a full military room with World War I and World War II maps," she said. "He was excited to do this from the beginning, but now that he is here and actually being able to push the buttons and talk to people who are actually flying planes, he is in some kind of heaven that I can't even imagine."

And it was one of the more hands-on agencies where Ben said he had the best time.

"My favorite part of the day was the EOD," said Ben. "I liked seeing all the different types of explosives and how to disarm them. It was also really fun to wear all the gear."

But Blake had a different opinion on what he thought the best part of the day was.

"My favorite part of the day was riding in the airplane," said Blake. "I got to see a lot of trees and houses and I got to see a corn maze that had a picture of a butterfly in it."

The day concluded with a certificate presentation from Col. Doug Hall, 436th Operations Group commander, making Blake and Ben honorary members of the 436th OG.

Todd said the first Pilot for a Day program would not have been a success if it was not for the collective help from all the agencies involved and support from the of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3238, the Delaware American Legion Post and the American Legion Stahl Post #30.

The VFW Post donated $200 that went towards purchasing the flight suits, patches and frames for the certificates.

"We wanted to help out in any way we could," said Marc Garduno, VFW Post #3238 commander. "I think it's wonderful to see the happy and smiling faces on the children. They are taking their minds off their woes and concerns medically and have the opportunity to have a really great time."

At the end of the day, Blake and Ben departed Dover AFB in the Humvee making many new friends here at Team Dover and Blake's mom, Laura Boyer, said the two boys will not forget this day anytime soon.

"Everyone has been so kind and so generous, I can't say thank you enough," she said. "The generosity has been incredible and this has been an experience that they will never forget."