ALTUS — A former Elmore City resident Chad Turner has seen up close the positive effects of a program that allows severely ill children the chance to experience a day in the life of an Air Force pilot.
Staff Sgt. Turner witnessed the “Pilot for a Day” program as a student in 2006 and now serves as its coordinator at the Altus Air Force Base.
“I was amazed that a technical sergeant could make a kid so happy,” Turner said.
Turner’s reference is to Senior Master Sgt. Brian Williams, who created the program while stationed at Altus.
As part of the program, critically ill children get the opportunity to wear genuine flight suits, tour aircraft and support agencies, spend time in the flight simulator and receive a set of pilot wings at the end of the day.
“It gives them a good day and some good memories,” Turner said.
A couple of recent participants were Xavier and Zachary Willis — the 8-year-old twin sons of Greg Willis, who is the 97th Air Mobility chief of education. He has spent the last 17 years working for the Air Force.
Both Xavier and Zachary have Hunter syndrome, a condition described by the Mayo Clinic as a “rare genetic disorder that occurs when an enzyme you body needs is either missing or malfunctioning. The condition also leads to difficulty recovering from normal illnesses and shortened life expectancy.
Master Sgt. James Hilton believes it is essential for airmen to participate in the events like “Pilot for a Day” program.
“It’s important to maintain these programs, even with the high operations tempo,” he said.
It was Hilton who suggested inviting the Willis’ to take part in the event.
Through the program the twins, their parents Angela and Greg and their 11-year-old sister Brittney enjoyed first class treatment as they toured several organizations on base.
The brothers arrived at the 58th AS in their flight suits, ready for an exciting day.
After Lt. Col. James Cole, squadron operations officer, presented the boys with patches for their flight suits the family traveled to the control tower for a tour.
The boys received air traffic controller badges and spoke to a pilot flying a training mission.
The Willis’ then toured the life support facility, rode in fire trucks to a C-17 static display, ate lunch at the club, flew in the simulator, took pictures and received pilot wings.
It turned out to a memorable experience for more than just the visiting family.
“I think I’ve got a bigger smile on my face than they do. Today has been fun,” Turner said.
For more information on the program, contact Turner at 580-481-5751.
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